Government of Canada funds projects in Northwest Territories through New Horizons for Seniors Program

Today’s global landscape is shifting rapidly, leaving many Canadians, including seniors, facing economic uncertainty due to factors such as the rising cost of living. In response, the government is committed to building a strong and resilient economy that enhances the quality of life for older Canadians. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) plays a pivotal role in this effort by creating opportunities for thousands of seniors to remain engaged and active participants in their communities.

Today, Rebecca Alty, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), announced an investment of $270,876 for 12 community-based projects in the Northwest Territories.

These projects will help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected in their community.

Funding announced today was awarded through the 2025–26 call for proposals for community-based projects through the NHSP.

This program funds a wide variety of projects that support key Government priorities, such as digital literacy initiatives, fraud prevention and awareness programs, and intergenerational mentoring efforts, all aimed at supporting seniors and fostering stronger, more connected communities.

The government has implemented many important measures to make life more affordable for older Canadians. These include increasing Old Age Security for those over 75, expanding the Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption, introducing the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and improving access to affordable internet. The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide further support to low- and modest-income households, including those of seniors, as the cost of living continues to rise. Together, these measures are designed to help seniors better meet their everyday needs.

Quotes

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps fund projects that keep seniors involved in their communities and create more opportunities for participation and inclusion. The projects announced today will help seniors stay active and connected in every part of the country.”

– The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors)

“Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors in [location] to participate in meaningful activities where they can share knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of others.”

– MP Rebecca Alty, Northwest Territories

“Hay River is fortunate to have a vibrant senior’s population whose experience, knowledge, and volunteer contributions strengthen every aspect of community life. New Horizons funding will help ensure our seniors have access to meaningful programs and opportunities that enhance quality of life while fostering new friendships and community connections. We are grateful for this support and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on seniors throughout Hay River.”
– Mayor Kandis Jameson, Town of Hay River

“The Yellowknife Curling Club is excited and honoured to have received generous funding from the New Horizons for Seniors program. With this grant, our organization is able to provide valuable opportunities for seniors to stay physically active, and to socialize during our cold northern winter. Our inclusive senior curling program provides a space for participants to belong to a community, and for seasoned curlers to share their love of this sport-for-life with new friends.”

– Yellowknife Curling Club

“Collège Nordique is thrilled to receive New Horizon funding. Our initiative creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Elders and Tłı̨chǫ learners to build relationships, share knowledge and learn from one another. These intergenerational connections strengthen our learning experiences, preserve valuable knowledge and benefit the entire community.”

– Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director, Collège Nordique

Quick facts

• Seniors are expected to represent almost 25% of the population by 2059 and could reach 11 million people within 15 years.
• The New Horizons for Seniors Program’s community-based stream invests in projects that help to improve seniors’ quality of life. In the 2025–26 call for proposals, organizations were eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects of up to 52 weeks.
• Program funding supports projects that address one or more of the program’s five objectives:
  • promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
  • engaging seniors through the mentoring of others;
  • expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
  • supporting social participation and the inclusion of seniors; and
  • providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.
• Project proposals must involve seniors in vital roles to lead, plan or deliver the project.
• Since its inception in 2004, the program has funded over 45,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with the Government of Canada’s total investment now surpassing $1 billion in funding.
• Based on the last two years of available data, more than 900,000 seniors participate in NHSP community-based projects each year.

Related products

Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Associated links

New Horizons for Seniors Program—Community-based project funding

Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program: Engaging seniors, strengthening communities