Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Ontario Seniors' Secretariat
Connecting Seniors to Their Communities
Ontario is helping seniors stay connected to their communities through the Seniors Community Grant Program, the province's first grant program dedicated solely to seniors.
Reduced social contact, or social isolation, has been associated with a lower quality of life for seniors and can also lead to poor health and depression.
The Seniors Community Grant Program, to date, is supporting 118 not-for-profit projects to help seniors stay connected, active and involved in their communities by encouraging greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement.
Helping seniors stay active in their communities is also part of the government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic business climate.
Quick Facts:
- By 2016, for the first time, people over 65 will account for a larger share of the population than children aged 0-14.
- The Seniors Community Grant Program provides grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to help support initiatives that will allow seniors to contribute to all aspects of community life.
- The 2014 Budget doubled the Seniors Community Grant Program from $500,000 to $1 million in 2014-15.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"Social isolation is something that is faced by many seniors in Ontario, especially in rural areas. Through the Seniors Community Grant Program we are helping seniors stay connected to their communities."
— Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs
"We’re committed to ensuring that Ontario is one of the best places in the world in which to age actively and in good health. That’s why we are doubling support for the Seniors Community Grant Program to $1 million annually, making it easier for people to stay safe, active and engaged in their communities."
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
"CARP is committed to advocating for the best quality of life for all Canadians as we age. We commend the Government of Ontario for investing in programs to help build strong communities for seniors."
— Susan Eng, VP Advocacy, CARP
Media Contacts:
Celeste Bottero
Minister’s Office
416-326-1689
Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010
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