October 1 marks National Seniors Day, a day that celebrates the accomplishments, legacies and rights of older persons across Canada. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador values the role seniors have played in shaping the province through their lifelong contributions to their families and communities.
Today, the Honourable Craig Pardy, Minister of Seniors, is announcing annual funding for SeniorsNL, as well as funding for the Community Transportation Program which, combined, totals nearly $650,000.
SeniorsNL will receive $343,000 in annual funding. Through this investment, the Provincial Government is ensuring older adults have access to information, advocacy, education, and programs that support aging well. Supporting seniors to remain informed, connected and engaged in their communities is an important part of helping older adults age well, and the Provincial Government applauds the important work of SeniorsNL.
Further, the Provincial Government is providing $300,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program, which will help address transportation challenges that can contribute to isolation and barriers to accessing services, appointments, and community activities.
Applications for the 2026-27 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program are open now and program guidelines and applications can be found here. The deadline to apply is November 26, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with nearby communities and to consider regional approaches. Eligible applicants include:
- Municipalities
- Indigenous Governing Bodies
- Provincially incorporated organizations
The Provincial Government continues to invest in programs and initiatives that support the health and well-being of seniors and help older adults remain safe, independent and engaged in their communities.
Budget 2026 reinforced that commitment through measures such as a 20 per cent increase to the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit, helping nearly 50,000 seniors with the rising cost of living.
Quotes
“The knowledge, experience and leadership that seniors bring to our families, workplaces and communities continue to help shape our province. National Seniors Day is an opportunity to recognize those contributions and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring older adults are supported, valued and included. Through investments in organizations such as SeniorsNL and initiatives like the Community Transportation Program, we are helping create opportunities for seniors as they age.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Seniors
“Older adults are the foundation of our communities and the heart of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the province with the oldest population in Canada, our commitment to supporting seniors has never been more important. On National Seniors Day, we celebrate the countless contributions older adults have made throughout their lives and the wisdom, resilience, and leadership they continue to share every day. At SeniorsNL, we see firsthand how access to reliable information, support, transportation, and social connection can make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their families. We are grateful for the province’s continued investment in SeniorsNL and community transportation services, helping ensure older adults can remain connected, engaged, and supported in the communities they call home. Together, we are building a Newfoundland and Labrador where every older adult is respected, valued, included, and empowered to age with dignity, purpose, and belonging.”
Kimberly Leonard
Chief Executive Officer, SeniorsNL
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Grants