Hi there, Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”!
Here is a summary of national news affecting seniors and a look at upcoming events across Canada for the next two weekends.
Current News
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New Horizons for Seniors Program: The federal government has launched its 2025–2026 call for proposals for community-based projects. Organizations are invited to apply for funding to support projects that help seniors stay connected and active, with a focus on healthy aging, preventing abuse, promoting inclusion, and supporting financial security. The deadline to apply is September 17, 2025.
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$500 Senior Payment: A news report clarifies that a one-time $500 payment issued to some seniors in August 2021 is not a recurring benefit and will not be reissued in 2025. This was a one-time measure for Canadians aged 75 and older in 2021.
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Air Canada Labour Disruption: Air Canada is offering reimbursements for reasonable accommodation and out-of-pocket expenses to customers whose travel was disrupted between August 15th and 23rd due to a recent labour disruption.
Upcoming Events
British Columbia
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Museum of Vancouver: On Saturday, August 23rd, the Museum of Vancouver is facilitating a walking tour that highlights the history and culture of Afro-Indigenous farmers.
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North Vancouver City Library: The library is hosting a Cedar Weaving Workshop on Saturday, August 23rd, and an “Open Door Community Hub” drop-in program on Sunday, August 24th and 31st.
Alberta
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Grande Prairie: The city is hosting the “Unissued Diplomas Exhibition” until August 25th, and a “Slow Pitch Softball Fundraiser Tournament” on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th. “Alberta Day 2025” will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30th.
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Leduc: The “Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games” are taking place until Sunday, August 24th. The “Slo-Pitch National Championships” men’s and women’s divisions will be in Leduc from Friday, August 29th to Monday, September 1st.
Ontario
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Scarborough: The Afro-Carib Fest is happening at Thomson Memorial Park on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
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Gananoque: The Gananoque Seniors Association is holding its program registration on Saturday, August 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A Legion BBQ Fundraiser is also scheduled for that day.
Quebec
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Outaouais: The “Val-des-Bois en musique” festival is running until today, August 23rd. The “Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival” will take place from Wednesday, August 27th to Sunday, August 31st.
Nova Scotia
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Various Locations: This weekend includes the “Kempt Shore Music Campout” and the “WOOFSTOCK 2025” music festival on Saturday, August 23rd. The Jenn Grant Trio is also performing at the Chester Playhouse on Saturday, August 23rd.
New Brunswick
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Saint John: The “Shorebirds of Saints Rest: Talk & Walk” is on Saturday, August 23rd. The “Saint John Night Market” is scheduled for Thursday, August 28th.
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Miramichi: The “Crossover” band is playing at the Riverside Pub on Saturday, August 23rd, and a “Good Used Clothing Sale” is being held today and tomorrow. On Sunday, August 31st, there is a “Knight’s Auction 45’s Sunday game.”
Manitoba
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Gimli: The “MS Bike Tour” is taking place on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th. The “WAVE Interlake Artists’ Studio Tour” will be held on Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st.
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Winnipeg: The “Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival” is on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th. The “Europa Super Circus” is scheduled for Sunday, August 31st.
Saskatchewan
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Candle Lake: A “Farmers Market” is on Saturday, August 23rd. The “Painting Session” at the Seniors Hall is on Friday, August 22nd. Bingo is being held at the Recreation Hall on Monday, August 25th.
Newfoundland and Labrador
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St. John’s: “Digital Seniors NL: Let’s Get Digital” is an event today, Saturday, August 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The “Sunsplash Cultural Festival” is also being held today. The “St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall” is open daily until September 1st.
Prince Edward Island
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Various Locations: The province is hosting “TechNTalk” events for those 55 and older. These events are focused on digital literacy and reducing social isolation.
(Please remember: Events are subject to change. It is always a good idea to confirm details with the event organizer before you go.)
Travel News & Deals
As the summer season winds down, travel companies and associations are announcing deals and news for the fall and winter seasons. Here’s a quick look at some recent headlines and specials that might be of interest as you plan your next getaway.
Current News
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The Canada Strong Pass: This new federal initiative, running until September 2nd, offers free or discounted admission to Parks Canada sites, national museums, and galleries across the country. It’s an excellent opportunity for some last-minute travel close to home.
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Air Canada Labour Dispute: Following a recent labour disruption that caused travel disruptions, Air Canada is offering reimbursements for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to affected travellers.
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Women Over 50 Traveling More: A recent report from Travel Pulse Canada highlights that women over 50 are not slowing down their travel plans for 2025 despite economic concerns, showing an increase in solo and group trips.
Current Specials & Deals
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Cruise Deals for Seniors: MSC Cruises is offering discounts of up to 10% on select cruises for guests over 65, including some sailings in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean as early as this month.
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Fall and Winter Airfare: Both West Jet and Air Canada have been running sales on flights for the fall and winter seasons, with deals to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Keep an eye out for discounts on travel booked by the end of August for trips planned between September and February.
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Senior-Friendly Tours: Companies like Senior Discovery Tours and Promotion Tours are advertising a variety of group tours tailored for travellers over 55, with destinations including Europe, the Canadian Rockies, and the Maritimes. They often offer home pickup and a slower, well-organized pace.
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VIA Rail Senior Discounts: VIA Rail continues to offer discounts for seniors aged 65 and over, with savings of up to 10% on regular fares.
(Please remember: Travel advice is for informational purposes only. Prices and availability can change. It is always a good idea to confirm details with the travel provider and to consult with a travel agent. For personalized travel advice and to book your trip, please consult a travel professional.)
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.