September 9, 2026 Foothills County, Alberta Employment and Social Development Canada
As the cost of living continues to rise, the Government of Canada is taking action to make life more affordable for seniors, and to help them stay active and connected to their communities.
Today, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) announced an investment of $147,854 under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for seven community-based projects in southern Alberta. The Secretary of State made the announcement at the Heartbeat Society, which received $25,000 in funding for their project Sing, Smile, Connect: Music and Fun for Seniors. Seniors involved in the project will participate in activities that help improve peer mentorship and reduce social isolation for seniors.
The funding announced today was awarded through the 2025–26 call for proposals for community-based projects under the NHSP, which provides funding for projects that keep thousands of seniors engaged and giving back to their communities. These projects help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected as they participate in and help lead a range of activities, including memory-stimulating exercises, youth mentorship, cultural storytelling, medicine teaching, monthly nutrition programming, and digital literacy workshops.
The NHSP works with other Government initiatives, like the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, to support 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 and as they help build stronger, more connected communities for all Canadians.