August 2022 Monthly Review

Photograph of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, a modern medical facility. The post highlights its expansion in cardiovascular surgery capabilities, supported by a $5.7 million investment from the Provincial Government of Ontario. The image symbolizes a significant step in healthcare advancement and community well-being.

Funding Overview

Month Overview

Bar graph depicting investments totaling $533,000 in the riding for August 2022. The graph shows two separate funding sources: $393,000 from NOHFC funds for four projects and $140,000 from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities for one project. The visual representation emphasizes the substantial financial support allocated for local development and educational initiatives during the month.

Annual Overview

Investments in the Riding

Expanding Cardiovascular Surgery Program

$5.7 Million from the provincial government will help support the cardiovascular surgery program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

This funding will expand the program, as well as address surgical wait times and improve access to lifesaving care.
Learn more about the Cardiovascular Surgery Program: https://tbrhsc.net/programs-services/cardiovascular-sciences-program/cardiovascular-surgery-project/

Lakehead University Rewarded for Ontario-Made Innovation

The provincial government is investing $140,000 in a research project at Lakehead University.
The funding is being delivered through the Early Researcher Awards Project and will support researchers in making discoveries that advance knowledge, drive progress, and create job for the people of Ontario.

“Cultivating research excellence and innovation are more important than ever as Ontario continues to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and lays the groundwork for robust long-term economic growth” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “These critical investments will ensure our world-class researchers have the resources they need to put Ontario at the forefront of innovation, supporting the development of homegrown ideas and products, and creating jobs in local communities.”

"Image of the main building at Lakehead University, a modern and imposing structure symbolizing academic excellence. The photo is associated with the recent news of a $140,000 innovation investment from the Ontario government, highlighting the university's commitment to pioneering research and educational advancement.

The funding will be used to cover the costs of research operations and supporting researchers to attract and retain research talent.

“Research and innovation are important drivers of Ontario’s economic growth, and through these investments, our government will ensure that our research activities continue to be competitive and attract the best and brightest talent to the province, “said Kevin Holland MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “By supporting ground-breaking research at Lakehead University, we can advance new discoveries and innovation, help foster a skilled labour force and promote new business opportunities in Thunder Bay.”

The government is investing over $500 million over the next 10 years to support additional high-value research undertaken across Ontario’s universities, colleges, research institutes and research hospitals.

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is committing funds to Cloud Lake Literary

Cloud Lake Literary is an independent digital literary magazine and online content space headquartered in Thunder Bay on the unceded lands of the Robinson-Superior Treaty territory which is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and specifically the Fort William First Nation.

Front cover of Cloud Lake Literary's latest magazine issue, visually representing the richness of Canadian literature. The cover, funded through a $5,200 grant from the Ontario Arts Council, highlights the magazine's commitment to showcasing Canadian literary talent, including both written and oral narratives.

“I am pleased that an agency of our government is supporting this organization with a $5,200 grant to help with presenting, promoting and the publication of written and oral Canadian literaturs,” said Kevin Holland MPP of Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “This organization enriches the lives of people in Thunder Bay, while playing an important role in building a strong and prosperous Ontario economy.”

The OAC delivers over 50 funding programs for Ontario-based artists and art organizations.

Northwestern Ontario Receives 32 New Correctional Officers

Pleased to see 32 graduates that will go to facilities in Northwestern Ontario, including the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre.

Image featuring three correctional officers with the text 'Improving Corrections in Ontario' overhead. The announcement reveals that 32 newly graduated officers will be deployed to Northwestern Ontario correctional facilities, symbolizing a commitment to enhancing the correctional system in the region.

Graduates have successfully completed the eight-week correctional officer training program, which was delivered virtually by Mohawk College. In-person training was led by the Corrections Centre for Professional Advancement and Training. All recruits received extensive training with enhanced instruction in communication and de-escalation techniques. The curriculum also included a focus on anti-Black racism, Indigenous cultural training, and inmate management techniques.

32 graduates will work in the Northern Region at the Fort Frances Jail, Kenora Jail, Monteith Correctional Complex, Sudbury Jail and Thunder Bay Correctional Centre.

News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002248/ontario-hires-123-new-correctional-officers

AMO Conference

Meeting with Community Leaders

Had a great time at the AMO conference in Ottawa. Our first delegation was from the Rainy River DSSAB. Next up was a meeting with my former colleagues from the Thunder Bay DSSAB. Both organizations are doing wonderful things for our communities.

Image of a group photo at the AMO convention featuring MPP Holland, members from various municipalities, and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Michael Parsa. The photo captures a moment of collaboration and shared commitment to enhancing community services and social initiatives.

A significant moment at the AMO convention as MPP Holland meets with Minister Michael Parsa and Mayor Lucy of Oliver Paipoonge. The image reflects a collaborative vision and shared commitment to community progress.

A candid photo at the AMO convention capturing MPP Holland engaged in a strategic conversation with Minister Steve Clark. The image highlights the importance of dialogue and collaboration for effective municipal leadership.

Next up we met with the Eastern Ontario Mayors Caucus followed by an informative meeting with FONOM.

It was a great opportunity to meet with leaders from across the Province as we continue to build working relationships to serve the residents of Ontario.

ROMA Booth Conference

Minister Clark and I stopped by the ROMA booth and spoke with several members of the board. It was great to reconnect with my former board members.

Image of a group photo at the AMO convention featuring MPP Holland, members from ROMA, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark. The photo signifies a collaborative approach to municipal affairs and housing initiatives, highlighting shared goals for community development.

Thank you all for the warm welcoming reception. I look forward to working with you in my new role as Parliamentary Assistant to MMAH.

Passing the Torch

Atikokan Mayor, Dennis Brown Retirement

Nearly four decades serving in public office, I wish Mayor Dennis Brown nothing but the best in retirement.

Thank you for all you’ve done for Atikokan.

Condolences

Passing of Ruth-Ann Holland

The world has lost a kind person with a beautiful soul. Mom passed away peacefully at home and has gone to be with her beloved grandparents, Ma and Pa. As much a we will miss her, we are so thankful to have had her in our life. Growing up, all the neighborhood kids would gather at our place because Mom was someone who had a kind and warm heart to everyone. Mom was a community leader, having served with the Township of Conmee as a Councilor, Clerk and Deputy Clerk for 18 years.

She was also instrumental in starting Holland’s Auto Body with her husband Fran in 1972, which became Holland Enterprises. I would sincerely like to thank friends, family, the community, and my colleagues locally and at Queen’s Park for all their well wishes while our family deals with this difficult time.