New Horizons For Seniors

Contributed - May 3, 2007 / 1:33 pm | Story: 29418

New Horizons Program Engages Seniors, Strengthens Communities.

Seniors are the fastest-growing population in the country and we need not look any further than our own riding of Kelowna-Lake Country to verify that. We are fortunate. A significant senior population means that our community has access to the skills and experience that only come with age.

Our government recognizes this too and wants to encourage our seniors to contribute their skills, experience, and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities and to promote the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities to reduce their risk of social isolation.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program funds a wide range of non-profit activities that are led by seniors, such as volunteering, outreach, mentoring, and teaching. Each province and territory sets priorities that reflect community needs, and the funded activities respond to these priorities. Activities must be based locally and endorsed by the community.

New Horizons for Seniors will fund projects such as organizing a telephone network to reach out to home-bound seniors, helping elders build a community garden and share their knowledge of traditional plans and their cultural uses, or a program that lets seniors help students with their homework in an after-school project.

The Program will fund costs up to $25,000 that are directly related to project activities. These could include materials, supplies, equipment, fees for a specialist, rent for a meeting room, hospitality, printing, and travel.

In our own riding, the Program has funded several worthwhile projects. Some of these are the Central Okanagan Community Gardens Society and its Barlee Community Garden/Springfield Community Garden, the Lifetime Learning Centre’s Learning for a Lifetime Community Project, the Interior Alzheimer Society Seniors Self Help Network, and the Kelowna Aboriginal Elder Community Kitchen Project through the Okanagan Metis Children and Family Services Society.

I would like to encourage the community to consider what the New Horizons for Seniors Program could do for our community. If you have an idea, talk to others who might come on board. Talk within your organization and if you don’t belong to one, set up a group to apply or approach an existing organization with your idea and partner with them.

The deadline for the current application process is June 29th, 2007. If you are interested and require more information please go to HRSDC to download an application. You can also contact the Department of Human Resources and Social Development at 1-800 277-9914 toll free. If you run into any difficulties please do not hesitate to contact my office at 470-5075.

If we work together not only will we improve the lives of our seniors but the entire community will benefit from their wisdom and experience.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Back to Homepage

Typos News Tips Forums

More MP Report articles

About the Author

The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and regional government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa.

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, mental health, women’s resources, and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

In previous parliamentary sessions Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates, Veteran’s Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee, and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada. Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment. 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.

Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy. He is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to three grandsons. His hobbies include music and sports.

The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

Previous Stories