Ottawa announces funding for elder programs in Nunavut

Three organizations — one in each regional hub — are getting money from Ottawa to support programs for elders.

A March 9 news release from Employment and Social Development Canada announced that the recipients are Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society in Iqaluit, the Kitikmeot Heritage Society in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet Fitness.

Each group will receive $25,000 under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to help elders “share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and help communities increase their capacity to address local issues,” the news release said.

The NDM society in Iqaluit will use the money to create an information pamphlet in Inuktitut and launch community campaigns to increase awareness around issues of elder abuse.

The heritage society will facilitate a sharing of knowledge twice weekly between elders and youth “to teach, learn and record, and transfer Inuit skills and knowledge,” the release said.

The fitness centre in Rankin Inlet will use the money to buy new fitness equipment for fitness activities designed by elders.

The centre also plans to facilitate elder transportation and translate health related information into Inuktitut.

The Government of Canada funds the cross-Canada seniors program to the tune of $50 million annually, an amount that reflects an increase of $5 million announced last year under the Conservatives’ Economic Action Plan 2014, according to the news release.

Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq was quoted in the release as saying this funding shows that her government, “recognizes the valuable contribution elders have made to our society and economy.”