February 2023 Monthly Review
Funding Overview
Month Overview
Annual Overview
Investments in the Riding
Providing More Money for Public Transit in Thunder Bay
Improving public transit isn’t just about getting people from point A to point B – it’s about improving quality of life for everyone.
Our government is committed to building better transit infrastructure and services in communities across Northwestern Ontario.
Ontario Creating Internship Opportunities in Thunder Bay
Proud to announce, on behalf of Minister Greg Rickford, $255,752 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for eight job opportunities in Thunder Bay.
Advanced Machinery Investments for Students in Thunder Bay
Happy to announce an investment in high-tech machines on behalf of Minister Monte McNaughton.
$72,800 to will help students at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute gain the skills they need to prepare for careers in tooling and machining.
NOHFC providing Funding to Confederation College
Making the life-long journey of learning more accessible to every single Ontarian.
Our government, through the NOHFC, is providing $447,750 to Confederation College to ensure that the main lecture theatre is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
They will also create a smart classroom and improve access to distance learning with new audio and visual equipment.
The College has an estimated $707.3 million direct impact on the local economy.
O’Conner Receives $88,200 Grant to Reopening of Rink
On Sunday I was at the O’Connor Community Centre to participate in the grand re-opening of their outdoor skating rink. O’Connor received an $88,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s “Building Communities Fund”. With this funding they were able to install a concrete base for the ice surface as well as install a well for flooding. Both of these additions will make it easier to flood the rink and increase the usage in the summer months.
Thanks to all involved to see this become a reality and for the hospitality.
Events in the Region
Improving our Lives through Research
That is the theme of the 18th Annual Research and Innovation Week at Lakehead University
Was honoured to join my political colleagues and bring greetings on behalf of the government of Ontario
Coldest Night of the Year Walk
I was one of the 305 walkers that took part in the Coldest Night of the Year this past weekend.
$84,942 has been raised to help those experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Thunder Wolves vs Varsity Blues
Great crowd on hand tonight at Fort William Gardens for Game Two between University of Toronto Varsity Blues and Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey.
Tough overtime loss but there’s always tomorrow #letsgowolves.
Thunder Bay Science Festival
Eleven years and going strong for the Thunder Bay Science Festival presented by Science North.
This event shines the spotlight on science among children, teens, and adults by offering an opportunity to celebrate science in a fun, interactive and welcoming setting for all ages.
Fighting Walleye Community Skate
A great turnout today at the Conmee Community Center for family fun day. The Kam Fighting Walleye stopped by to skate with the kids. Thanks to all involved for a great afternoon .
Arps Family Sliding Party
Stopped by at the Arps family annual sliding party. This event is attended by families from all over. Thanks Jason and Erin for opening your home and yard for all to enjoy.
Fort William Voyageur Winter Carnival
On Saturday, we stopped by the Fort William Historical Park for the Voyageur Winter Carnival. It was great to see so many families out enjoying the many activities taking place.
Thanks to Patrick Morash for the tour and the history lesson. Congratulations to the staff for another wonderful event.
Local Business Leaders Gathering
Big thank you to Daytona’s Kitchen + Creative Catering for hosting today’s gathering with local business leaders
Always enjoy these events in Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
Tour of Bruce Power Facility
Was a pleasure to tour the Bruce Power facility alongside Parliamentary Assistants Natalia Kusendova and Jess Dixon in Tiverton last week to learn about their operations, including medical isotope production.
I know how important the issue of nuclear waste is in Northwestern Ontario, with Ignace in the running to host the deep geological repository for Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
Awards
Thunder Bay Police Exemplary Service Award
Was honoured to be on hand for the Thunder Bay Police Service Exemplary Service Award Ceremony at Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
You have served your community and the people of Ontario with distinction, dedication, and commitment, and for that we thank you for your service.
As a former fire fighter, I recognize that the family members of those that serve in an emergency services profession need to be recognized as well.
You provide the love and support needed as your spouse, parent or sibling deals with the demons following a difficult shift, while at the same time you deal with the fear and worry every time a call comes in. That can be forgotten, and I want to thank you for being an unsung hero.
Roundtables
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Roundtable
It was my pleasure to host the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams for a roundtable discussion at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
We also enjoyed some delicious Persians!
Meetings in the Riding
Meeting NOHFC Grant Interns
It was great to meet the NOHFC current and former interns today at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
An NOHFC investment of $255,752 will help connect health research facilities to talented individuals looking to secure hands-on job experience.
Meeting with Dr. Sarita Verma
Enjoyed the conversation today with Dr. Sarita Verma from NOSM University.
Happy to see and hear about the progress that’s been made for the school, which became a standalone university in April 2022.
Condolences
Passing of Mayor Hazel McCallion
We said our final goodbyes to former Mississauga Mayor Hazel Hazel McCallion on what would have been her 102nd birthday.
“Hurricane Hazel” as she was known was an inspiration and mentor to many aspiring politicians.
I was fortunate to have many conversations with Hazel over the years.
She will be deeply missed.