The federal government has committed almost $1.8 million dollars to help improve the quality of life for Elders and other senior citizens in the Northwest Territories.
The funding announcement was made Thursday at the Avens Seniors Centre in Yellowknife by NWT MP Michael McLeod.
It’s the latest in a slew of recent funding announcements made by McLeod ahead of the October federal election.
He says the money has been provided by the fed’s New Horizons for Seniors program.
“It will be used for a project led by the NWT Seniors’ Society (NWTSS) that will help increase social inclusion and address the challenges facing older adults 55+ in 10 NWT communities.”(It) is an important program that supports organizations that do meaningful work to improve the well-being and quality of life of seniors. The NWT Seniors’ Society will help foster the social inclusion and engagement of seniors in our territory,” McLeod says. “Through the NHSP we are taking action to ensure Canadian seniors, including those who are most vulnerable, receive the recognition, respect and support they deserve.”
Suzette Montreuil, executive director of the NWT Seniors’ Society, says the idea is to get isolated seniors involved in their communities.
“The NWT Seniors’ Society is looking forward to collaborating with our elders, community facilitators, partners and advisors to design and carry out this project that will reach out to isolated and vulnerable older adults in the NWT,” she says. “Together, we can create a community-based approach to include more elders and support the important role they play.”