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Our government recognizes the important and continuing role seniors play in strengthening our communities and building our country.

This is why we are investing in seniors and encouraging them to stay active, share their knowledge and help others within their communities.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program is currently accepting applications to fund community-based projects across Canada that encourage seniors to share their skills, wisdom and experience and support social well-being in communities while promoting the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities.

One goal is to reduce the risk of social isolation many seniors face.

I recently had the pleasure of announcing funding for various seniors' centres across Fundy Royal under the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

This funding will allow seniors organizations to upgrade and improve their facilities and equipment. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for seniors in Fundy Royal.

The Elgin Senior Citizens Centre recently received $19,558 in federal funding to help seniors maintain an active lifestyle, while the Riverview Seniors Club received $7,750 for support for activities such as dinners, social functions, card games and exercise functions.

The Hampton Seniors Resource Centre also received $25,000 to make improvements to their facilities and equipment.

Finally, in Sussex seniors opened an Internet Café to train other seniors to become computer literate. This reduces isolation and promotes social participation and interaction among all generations.

Our government is also committed to ending elder abuse. The abuse of older adults can take many forms, whether it's physical, emotional, verbal or financial abuse. All are unacceptable.

This is why in Budget 2008 our government provides $13 million over three years to help seniors and others recognize the sign and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on where seniors can find support.

Our government wants everyone to know that this is happening, it cannot be tolerated, and that help is available.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program will be accepting applications from April 7 to June 13.

For more information on the Program and how to apply, please visit the Human Resources and Social Development Canada Web site at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml or call 1-800 277-9914 and select "0" to speak to an agent.

Persons with a speech or hearing impairment can call 1-800-255-4786 (TTY).

* Rob Moore is MP for Fundy Royal. His column appears biweekly in Riverview This Week. To reach him, please e-mail moorer@parl.gc.ca, or visit his website at http://www.robmooremp.com to keep up with developments in Ottawa.