"Our government is continuing to make substantial investments in seniors' programs and initiatives throughout the province," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. "These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the lives of our seniors by providing them with opportunities to participate in social activities and life-long learning."

The Town of Springdale will receive $10,000 to help create an age-friendly community with the creation of an age-friendly team or committee that will work to develop programs and activities designed to engage seniors in the community.

"I commend the Town of Springdale for completing an outstanding proposal and for embracing the age-friendly concept," said Baie Verte-Springdale MHA Kevin Pollard.　 "This grant will help the town move forward with its initiative of engaging seniors using a community approach.　 I applaud our government for responding to the needs of our seniors and for making the appropriate investments to improve their quality of life."

Roberts Arm and Area Active Living for Older Adults will receive $9,000 for its Enhancing Active Living for Older Adults in Roberts Arm and Nearby Towns initiative. This project will focus on the enhancement of physical fitness, life-long learning skills including computer and on-line banking, information sessions, social activities and promotion of volunteers.

"I am very pleased that the seniors in Robert's Arm and surrounding areas will benefit from this supportive program," said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Green Bay South.　 "This is yet another step towards the province's vision of a supportive, age-friendly province that promotes seniors' independence, good health, and overall well-being."

Overall, the Williams Government will invest $200,000 in the AFNL Grant program. The grants will serve, in part, to fulfill commitments made under the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework, through which the Provincial Government invested an additional $3.5 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year toward improving the wellness of residents.

- 30 -