BENTLEY, ALBERTA— Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $24,850 under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) to the Town of Bentley. The town, along with community volunteers and local seniors, is organizing a seniors’ outreach program in Bentley to connect seniors within their community.

“Canada’s new Government is committed to enhancing the social well-being of seniors in communities by encouraging them to share their skills, wisdom and experience,” said Mr. Calkins.  “Projects like the one I’ve had the pleasure of announcing today, help reduce the risk of social isolation among older adults by promoting their ongoing involvement in the community.”

"Our seniors have contributed so much to our country and our communities," said Minister Solberg. "They have worked hard all their lives and deserve our effort and support. The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps all of us by directly helping seniors in their communities."

Canada’s new Government is acting to address the needs of seniors through the introduction of a series of important measures that include:

A proposed change in tax policy for seniors, beginning in 2007, with the permitting of income splitting for pensioners;

• Bringing forward legislation to make it easier for seniors to apply for and receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS);
• Increasing the Pension Income Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per year – putting almost $900 million back in the hands of seniors over the next two years; and,
• Introducing a Tax Fairness Plan that will increase the age credit by $1,000 (from $4,066 to $5,066) effective this tax year.

NHSP provides grants to support a range of community-based projects across Canada that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living.  Projects support broad national objectives and regional priorities.