Latest news with #StephanieMcLean
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Investing in water infrastructure improvements on Vancouver Island Français
SAYWARD, BC, /CNW/ - Two communities on Vancouver Island are receiving upgrades to their water infrastructure after a combined investment of more than $5.25 million from the federal and provincial governments and municipal partners. In the Municipality of North Cowichan, the Crofton Sewage Treatment Plant will be upgraded with two new clarifiers and a sludge thickening system to improve wastewater treatment and ensure the treated water remains clean and compliant with environmental standards. These upgrades will expand the plant's capacity to treat more wastewater, maintain the treatment plant's high level of compliance, and protect the health and safety of the community. The Village of Sayward will benefit from drainage and stormwater upgrades aimed at reducing flooding and minimizing flood risks for homes. The project involves upgrading stormwater pipes, adding biofilters to reduce pollution runoff, and other related improvements to support sustainable stormwater management. Together, these efforts will strengthen the community's resilience to extreme weather events, enhance water quality, and help create a safer and healthier environment for residents and local wildlife. Quotes "Our government is proud to support these important wastewater and stormwater management upgrades on Vancouver Island. This work will enhance climate resilience, support healthy communities and protect ecosystems for generations to come." The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) "Cleaner water in local streams and waterways, reduced flooding and increased resilience to extreme weather events will make these Vancouver Island communities safer and stronger. Upgrades like these are helping protect the environment people live in and rely on and supporting a more secure future for British Columbians." Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs "Our Council has made upgrading our infrastructure a top priority, and this investment in the Crofton sewage treatment plant reflects that commitment. This project will ensure the plant continues to produce clean effluent that meets stringent regulations and expand capacity to serve our growing community. By working together with our federal and provincial partners, we are safeguarding both public health and our local environment for generations to come." Rob Douglas, Mayor, Municipality of North Cowichan "This investment is a game-changer for the Village of Sayward. At nearly two and a half times our total annual tax revenue, this funding will allow us to move forward with essential drainage and stormwater upgrades that will protect homes, improve water quality, and strengthen our community's resilience to flooding and extreme weather. These improvements will not only benefit residents today but will also support the long-term environmental health and sustainability of our Village for generations to come." , Mayor, Village of Sayward Quick Facts The federal government is investing $1,402,864 in the Municipality of North Cowichan project and $697,230.40 in the Village of Sayward project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $1,168,936 in the Municipality of North Cowichan's project and $580,967 in the Village of Sayward project. The Municipality of North Cowichan is contributing $935,359 and the Village of Sayward is contributing $464,879. The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies. Including today's announcement, over 160 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $765 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $429 million. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations. Green Infrastructure Stream Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Strengthened Climate Plan SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, 236-475-4435, [email protected]; Barb Floden, Manager, Communications and Public Engagement, Municipality of North Cowichan , 250-746-3100, [email protected]; Mark Baker, Mayor, Village of Sayward, [email protected]
Cision Canada
06-08-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada launches call for proposals for community projects to help seniors Français
VICTORIA, BC, Aug. 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Communities are stronger when every Canadian feels connected, supported and included. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) creates opportunities for thousands of seniors to take the active role in their communities that they deserve. Today, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), launched the 2025–2026 call for proposals for community-based projects through the NHSP. Organizations are invited to apply for funding to support projects that will help seniors be connected and active members of their communities. These projects should reflect the four national priorities for this cycle: supporting healthy aging; preventing senior abuse; celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and supporting financial security. The Secretary of State made the announcement while visiting the Power To Be head office in Victoria. The organization received funding through the 2024–25 NHSP community-based stream that invested $60.3 million for 2,905 projects supporting seniors in more than 400 communities across Canada. Their new project, Pathways for Seniors, will allow volunteers to create events where seniors can mentor youth and others in their community, and share their knowledge. The NHSP funds a wide variety of projects, such as computer classes, financial literacy and fraud prevention education, meal deliveries, and intergenerational activities. The 2025–26 call for proposals is open until September 17, 2025. Quotes "I am thrilled that, for the past 21 years, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded 43,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This program continues to improve the quality of life of seniors in every part of the country." – The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) "Power To Be has been providing access to nature and nature-based recreation for over 26 years. As a recipient of the New Horizon's for Seniors Program, we have convened a volunteer leadership team made up of six seniors who bring a rich diversity of experience, skillsets and connection to Power To Be. Based on their guidance, we are expanding our programmatic and volunteer offerings to meet the needs of more seniors in our community. Power To Be provides access to nature for people of all ages and abilities, and this new program is rooted in our values of accessibility, inclusion and connection to nature." – Dana Hutchings, Co-CEO, Power To Be Quick facts Seniors are one of Canada's fastest-growing population groups. They will represent almost 25% of the population by 2057 and could reach 11 million people within 15 years. The New Horizons for Seniors Program's community-based stream invests in projects that have a meaningful impact on communities and help to improve seniors' quality of life. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects of up to 52 weeks. Program funding supports projects that address one or more of the program's five objectives: promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engaging seniors through the mentoring of others; expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supporting social participation and the inclusion of seniors; and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors. Project proposals must involve seniors in vital roles to lead, plan or deliver the project. Since its inception in 2004, the program has funded over 43,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with the Government of Canada investing more than $970 million. Based on the last two years of available data, more than 900,000 seniors benefit from NHSP community-based projects each year. Organizations can submit their applications electronically on the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal. Creating an account is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various Employment and Social Development Canada funding opportunities in a secure web environment. Organizations serving seniors can access support to prepare their application by contacting their nearest NHSP office. For details on how to apply, visit the New Horizons for Seniors Program webpage. New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based project funding Programs and services for seniors Follow us on X (Twitter) Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Cision Canada
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- MEDIA ADVISORY - Government of Canada to launch call for proposals for community projects to help seniors/ Français
GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), will be in Victoria to make an announcement regarding the New Horizons for Seniors Program to help seniors be connected and active members of their communities. A photo opportunity and media availability will follow the announcement. Please note that all details are subject to change. Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Time: 10:15 a.m. PDT Place: Power To Be 4633 Prospect Lake Road Victoria, British Columbia Notes for media: To register, contact [email protected] with your name and media outlet. SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Cision Canada
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
MEDIA ADVISORY - Government of Canada to launch call for proposals for community projects to help seniors
GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), will be in Victoria to make an announcement regarding the New Horizons for Seniors Program to help seniors be connected and active members of their communities. A photo opportunity and media availability will follow the announcement. Please note that all details are subject to change. Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Time: 10:15 a.m. PDT Place: Power To Be 4633 Prospect Lake Road Victoria, British Columbia Notes for media: To register, contact [email protected] with your name and media outlet.
Cision Canada
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Preventing coastal flooding and shoreline erosion in the Village of Gwa'yas'dums on Gilford Island Français
VILLAGE OF GWA'YAS'DUMS, BC, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Gilford Island coastlines will be protected from the impacts of climate change and erosion after an investment of more than $3.2 million from the federal government. Gwa'yas'dums Village (gwa-yas-dums) is a remote coastal island community that is at risk of coastal flooding and shoreline erosion due to sea-levels rising and storm surges. The current shoreline protection infrastructure was installed in the 1960's and has passed its life expectancy. This project includes two key elements: armouring the shoreline with riprap, which is human-placed rock or other natural materials used to protect shoreline structures against erosion, as well as the construction of a bio-engineered slope. These assets will increase the community's resilience by mitigating the impacts of coastal flooding to the community's critical infrastructure and essential services. Quotes "Investing in infrastructure to protect Canadians against current and future environmental disasters is our government's promise in action. We are working together with partners to build resiliency in our communities to address the increasing impacts of climate change across the country." The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "We are profoundly proud to stand in partnership with the government on this vital initiative. This project is a tangible result of what can be accomplished when we walk together, side-by-side, in a spirit of respect and collaboration. It marks a positive step in the right direction on our shared path toward reconciliation, ensuring the Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis people can continue to thrive in our homeland for generations to come. We have been the guardians of this territory since time immemorial, and this partnership empowers us to continue that sacred responsibility." Hereditary Chief Rick Johnson, Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation Quick Facts Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits. The federal government is investing $3,272,858 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. To date, over $2.9 billion has been announced for more than 117 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe. This funding will support projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that help communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks. Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund Canada's National Adaptation Strategy Strengthened Climate Plan Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
