Even before the COVID-19 Pandemic, there were far too many seniors facing isolation in their retirement years. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada empowering seniors by supporting opportunities where they can stay involved and engaged in their communities.

During an event on Friday morning, The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming revealed the details of two projects funded through the New Horizons for Seniors program, totaling $42,706 invested for the Living Temagami Arts and Culture Corporation in Temagami, Ontario and Le Centre Culturel Artem in New Liskeard, Ontario.

“Helping seniors in Nipissing-Timiskaming stay active and connected is a priority for the Government of Canada,” says Rota.

“The projects being supported today will provide seniors an opportunity to participate in meaningful activities which nurture their personal growth and foster community vitality.”

The first investment will see $17,706 go toward the Living Temagami Arts and Culture Corporation in Temagami to help the organization run fitness classes and heritage-sharing workshops to help keep seniors mentally fit, healthy and stay socially engaged.

Dan O’Mara, Mayor of the Municipality of Temagami says, “It’s nice to see this funding going towards our seniors. Seniors are a big part of our community and the more we can get to help them get out and get involved the better our community is.”

The second investment is for Le Centre Culturel ARTEM in New Liskeard, and they will receive $25,000 to allow seniors to attend a workshop on the creation of videography for distribution and they will have the opportunity to participate in monthly activities which support social participation.

Réjeanne Bélisle-Massie, Président for Centre Culturel Artem says, “Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they should pass on to future generations. This project will motivate seniors to share that knowledge with young people and people from different cultures. That way, our community will become more active and inclusive. This project allows us to continue our work in promotion and cultural contribution to our community and to the region.”

Rota says, “The last two years have been an especially trying time on seniors and we have to do what we can to support them because they have made and continue to make great contributions to our communities here in Nipissing-Timiskaming and right across Canada. These projects are a welcome investment to the communities of Temagami and New Liskeard will help us build a strong foundation for our future to meet the needs of an aging population.”