January 2024 Monthly Review

Funding Overview

Month Overview

Annual Overview

Investments in the Riding

Ontario Supporting Growth and Innovation in the Forest Sector

Excited to share that the Hon. Minister Graydon Smith announced an investment of $9.4 Million to 14 forest biomass projects in Northwest Ontario.

This is the second phase of Forest Biomass Program funding that will help develop new technologies, improve productivity, create jobs and preserve our resources.

Thank you to Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper for hosting this announcement!

The full list of the 14 research, innovation and modernization initiatives is available here. Each project will advance the use of forest biomass, including:

Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill – $5,000,000 to modernize the mill’s electrical system by upgrading and improving equipment, enabling future measures to expand green energy production, reduce emissions and increase forest biomass usage.
Rutter Urban Forestry – $245,000 to support renewable energy production and deliver clean and cost-efficient heat generation by acquiring a mobile forest biomass chipper and tractor to produce heating chips.
Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. – $200,000 to increase the use of forest biomass and expand alternative fuel production by supporting the development of a renewable natural gas and biocarbon facility.
FPInnovations – $100,000 to enhance forest sector business competitiveness and provide environmental benefits by exploring methods to improve the carbon footprint and reduce the operating costs of producing lignin, a versatile wood extract.

Nearly $2 million boost in funding to expand pediatric services

Yesterday, I was pleased to accompanied PA Robin Martin to announce that the Ontario government is investing nearly $2 million to increase access to pediatric services for children and youth in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

The $2 million in additional funding will support programs and services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre ($1 million), George Jeffrey Children’s Centre ($856,000), and Children’s Centre Thunder Bay ($103,700).

Read More Details: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-connecting-children…

Forestry Biomass Roundtables

Forestry Sector Roundtable

Thank you for hosting Minister Graydon Smith and myself at the forestry sector roundtable yesterday. It was inspiring to engage in meaningful discussions about the opportunities ahead for the forestry and bioeconomy sector.

Let’s continue to work together to lay the foundation for a more sustainable tomorrow!

CRIBE Roundtable

Thank you for having Minister Graydon Smith and myself at the CRIBE roundtable yesterday, it was very insightful and inspiring to hear the collaboration between industry leaders.

This roundtable marks a significant step towards a sustainable and innovative future.

Events in the Riding

New Years Levee

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to the New Years Levee. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and have the opportunity to chat with each of you.

I’m looking forward to the year ahead and continuing our conversations. Wishing you all a fantastic year!

Opening of Planet Fitness in Thunder Bay

Congratulations to Planet Fitness on the grand opening of their new location in Thunder Bay!

It’s fantastic to see such growth and investment in our community’s fitness options. Wishing you great success!

ROMA 2024

ROMA Day 1

Day 1 at ROMA 2024 was filled with productive meetings!

I had the opportunity to engage with delegations from the City of Thunder Bay, the Township of Conmee, and the Township of Oliver Paipoonge!

ROMA Day 2

Had another excellent day of meetings with delegations from Elliot Lake, Red Lake, CDSSAB, Township Nipigon, Township of Marathon, and with Minister Thompson.

ROMA Day 3

Had a successful ROMA 2024 last week. It was great to engage in discussions with many municipalities and boards about regional issues.

Additionally, it was a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces at the various booths set up around the conference.

Condolences

Passing of Jack Masters

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jack Masters, a well-known politician in Thunder Bay, serving as Mayor from 1985 to 1991. Jack also served as a federal MP from 1980 to 1984.

As a Mayor, Jack focused on improving the regional transportation network and the City’s parks and recreation facilities as well as being instrumental in obtaining funding for the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and the 1981 Canada Games. Jack was also well known in TV and radio.

Passing of Chuck Schmitt

Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Chuck Schmitt, Administrative Coordinator at NOSM University Dryden Site.

Chuck was an integral part of our community, warmly welcoming medical students and residents to Dryden. His dedication to healthcare and mentorship will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Passing of Bishop Racicot

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Bishop Racicot. I first met Bishop when he was elected as a councillor for O’Connor Township. being from the neighboring township we worked together on several items. From this, grew a friendship with Bishop that I valued very much.

Bishop was the type of guy that was truly and genuinely happy with any achievement of the people he knew. He was always positive and upbeat, even during some very challenging times in his life. He was a good guy, and I am going to miss him. To Linda Racicot, Mitch and the whole Racicot family Lori and I send you our deepest sympathy. To the Township of O’Connor and all in the municipal field that knew him, we share your loss. RIP Bishop.