MP Tilson Announces Funding For The Caledon Seniors Council
April 28, 2008

BOLTON, ON — David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State (Seniors), today congratulated the Caledon Seniors Council on being selected to receive funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This will ensure that seniors across Caledon have the opportunity to participate and take an active leadership role within their community.

Total funding of $15,500 is being provided to the organization for renovations and equipment replacement. This project will benefit a total of 90 estimated participants, all of which are seniors. The key activity of the project will be: repairing windows and carpet, as well as replacing items such as storage cabinets, a vacuum cleaner, and computer equipment.

“The Government is pleased to support outstanding senior organizations, such as the Caledon Seniors Council who provide fabulous services and programs that encourage senior citizens to be actively involved in their communities,” said Mr. Tilson. “Today’s support will allow the Council to continue providing these important programs to local senior citizens.”

Following the presentation by Mr. Tilson, Caledon Seniors’ Council President, Alex Rodrigues, made the following comment, “Seniors needs have been heard by our Government. We can now encourage others to join us and share our good fortune. Helping others maintain good health with fitness activities, eating healthy, and reaching out to helping others, making them aware of who we are and how we can serve their community best.”

The federal government is also acting to address the needs of Canada’s seniors through the introduction of a series of important measures that include:

  • establishing the National Seniors Council to advise the Government on issues of importance to older Canadians;
  • enabling 1.6 million low-income seniors to benefit from increased monthly benefits available under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and to make a one-time application for the GIS. As long as these seniors file income tax returns every year, they will never have to reapply;
  • providing more than $1 billion in tax relief to Canadian seniors and pensioners in Budget 2007;
  • enabling seniors to build their retirement savings in Registered Pension Plans and Registered Retirement Savings Plans for an extra two years until age 71; and
  • raising the amount that seniors can claim under the age credit on their tax returns for 2007. With less income taxed, seniors save more.
Since its launch, the NHSP has funded over 2,600 projects across Canada, inspiring seniors to bring their leadership, energy and skills to projects that benefit our communities. For more information about the Program, please visit http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml.