New support for seniors in Markham—Thornhill amid COVID-19

November 13^th, 2020 - Markham, Ontario - Employment and Social Development Canada

No one should be going through this pandemic alone – especially seniors.

Today, Mary Ng, Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill, on behalf of Seniors Minister Deb Schulte, announced an investment of $48,000 in Markham–Thornhill to support seniors in the community through two local organizations, the Markham Tamil Seniors Association Canada and Lynrich Arts Enterprises.

The funding announced today is from the additional investment of $20 million our government invested in the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps local seniors organizations, like the Markham Tamil Seniors Association Canada and Lynrich Arts Enterprises, ensure seniors stay active, engaged, and more connected with their community through activities, events, and networks of support.

Speaking virtually with the Armadale Older Adults Club – who has also benefitted from this funding – Minister Ng made it clear that the Government will continue to give seniors the support they need at this incredibly difficult time.

These additional projects will help ensure local organizations in Markham—Thornhill and communities across Canada have projects aiming to reduce seniors’ isolation within the community, improve their quality of life, and help them maintain a social support network during the pandemic.

Quotes

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for our seniors – who have been facing social isolation and increased risk from this virus. Today’s announcement is just another example of the targetted and direct invesmtents our government is making to ensure all Canadian seniors have the supports they need to get through this crisis.”

– The Honourable Mary Ng, Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill

“We cannot allow physical distancing to become social distancing. With this additional funding, we are helping ensure seniors in as many communities as possible across Canada get support and stay connected during the pandemic. We want to help seniors across the country as quickly as possible.”

– The Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors

Quick Facts

• Through the New Horizons Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is funding thousands of COVID-19-related projects across Canada in communities in every province and territory.
• The Prime Minister announced an additional investment of $20 million in the New Horizons Seniors Program on May 12, 2020, to help seniors manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In addition to the projects announced today through the New Horizons Seniors Program, the Government also:
  • provided $9 million to the United Way Centraide Canada to distribute to community organizations across the country to help provide essential services to Canadian seniors impacted by COVID-19; and
  • gave flexibility to organizations with approved projects in 2019–20 to use their funding to provide support for seniors’ needs specific to COVID-19, regardless of the nature of the previously approved project.
• This funding will support over 1,100 new projects to support seniors in their communities in all regions of the country.

Related Product

Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Associated Links

Prime Minister announces additional support for Canadian seniors

Prime Minister announces support for vulnerable Canadians affected by COVID‑19

New Horizons for Seniors Program projects can now be used for COVID-19 support

New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities

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