Launch of the new School Food Infrastructure Fund and the next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Minister MacAulay announced $53.5 million in national funding to launch the new School Food Infrastructure Fund, and initiate the next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The newly launched School Food Infrastructure Fund will assist not-for-profit organizations as they invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programing across the country. Applications are now open, and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply from now until October 4, 2024. The $17.2 million announced today for the School Food Infrastructure Program will be delivered as a complement to the National School Food Program.
The renewed Local Food Infrastructure Fund will continue to help improve food security in communities across the country. Our renewed program will be delivered through two components:
- Small Scale Projects will provide funding between $25,000 and $100,000 to support infrastructure projects, such as irrigation systems for community gardens or solar panels for greenhouses. Applications for the first intake will be open from October 1 to October 31, 2024. A second intake will be announced in 2025.
- Large Scale Projects will provide funding between $150,000 and $500,000 in support of community food security for projects with multiple infrastructure and equipment needs. For example, partners could come together to upgrade a soup kitchen and increase the number of meals served, using food from a local community garden, or a local farmer. Applications will be open from January 13 to February 28, 2025.
Bank of Canada lowers interest rates for the third time
Canada is leading the G7 in managing the global post-pandemic surge in inflation and interest rates, with the recent decision by the Bank of Canada to lower its overnight rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25%. This marks the third rate cut this summer, making Canada the first G7 country to reduce rates three times. This is great news for homeowners with mortgages up for renewal, first-time buyers, and businesses of all sizes. As inflation remains within target, our government continues to invest in housing, affordability, and economic growth, ensuring a stronger future for all Canadians.
Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
Regions and communities across Canada host many exciting tourist attractions that bring people in and drive economic development. We want to celebrate the businesses behind those attractions and make sure they can grow and thrive. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years (2023-2024 – 2025-2026) to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.
Eligible applicants include:
- incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
- Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
- not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
- governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)
Eligible activities
Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:
- support the Indigenous tourism industry
- increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban areas to rural areas
- support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
- support active outdoor experiences
- extend the tourism season (e.g., new or expanded tourism offerings outside of the traditional high season)
- complement support provided through provincial programs
Financial assistance
- For small- and medium-sized enterprises
- contributions will normally be repayable
- For not-for-profit organizations
- contributions will normally be non-repayable
Government of Canada launches call for proposals for community projects to help seniors
Canadians deserve to age with dignity. That comes down to choice, to affordability, to inclusion, and to community. For 20 years, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has helped the Government of Canada deliver on that promise to Canadian seniors by supporting those organizations working to make their lives better.
The government launched the 2024–25 call for proposals for community-based projects through the NHSP.
Organizations can apply for funding to deliver projects that will help seniors be more connected and active members of their communities. Organizations are encouraged to reflect the four national priorities for this cycle as part of their projects:
- supporting healthy aging;
- preventing senior abuse;
- celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and
- supporting financial security.
The NHSP funds a wide variety of projects, such as online computer classes, financial literacy and fraud prevention education, meal deliveries, and the purchase of equipment to help keep seniors informed, connected and engaged.
The call for proposals is open until September 12, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to 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 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html.
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