Allow me to talk briefly about why it is a priority for this government to make sure we can get as.... We know that seniors and older Canadians want to live in their own homes independently as much as they want. This pandemic has certainly highlighted that Canadians desire to age in their own communities as long as possible. Sadly, we know that many vulnerable seniors do not have all the supports needed to live independently in their own communities.
We did a number of measures in the past as well. I will take you back to 2016, when our government put a major investment, billion of dollars, into home care in a health accord with the provinces and territories.
You alluded to the age well at home program. For that program, $90 million over three years was put in the last budget to do that important work. This initiative will provide funding opportunities to offer practical support for seniors-serving organizations. That would be support with meals, housekeeping, yardwork or any of the work that seniors-serving organizations can provide on the ground to vulnerable seniors in their own communities.
Funding would also be available for regional and national projects to expand services that have already shown results in helping seniors age in their own communities. This is going to mobilize the seniors-serving organizations and recognize the important work they do.
I will turn to Annette to provide a bit more depth on this program.