May 2023 Monthly Review

Funding Overview

Month Overview

Annual Overview

Investments in the Riding

KBM Resource Group Flight School Investment

It was a pleasure joining Minister Greg Rickford at KBM Resources Group Flight School to announce nearly $3 million in funding through the NOHFC program.

With the assistance of the NOHFC funding, KBM has extended its expertise in forestry consulting, geographical surveying and has also ventured into offering flight training services among other initiatives.

I look forward to seeing the growth and positive impact this funding will bring to Thunder Bay and North Western Ontario!

Homelessness Prevention Program Funding Increase

I was very excited to announce Friday that the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) will be receiving an increase in funding through the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) of nearly $11 million for the next three years, for a total of $16.5 million annually for each of the next 3 years, representing an increase in funding of 197%! This funding is part of the additional $202 million annually to the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program.

It is extremely important to me that we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Bill Bradica and his team at the TBDSSAB. They have consistently put forth tremendous efforts toward improving the quality of life for residents here in Thunder Bay and across the district. This funding increase is one example of our government’s approach to tailor solutions to Northwestern Ontario’s unique experiences and geographical circumstances. I look forward to ongoing collaboration with the TBDSSAB as they continue to build their capacity to serve!

Province Investing 2.9 Million for Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training Development Corporation

It was a pleasure joining Minister Steve Clark this morning, announcing an additional $2.9 million for the Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training Development Corporation. This investment will support homelessness prevention efforts in the GTA through the province’s Indigenous Supportive Housing Program (ISHP).

Ontario is providing nearly $700 million in homelessness prevention funding annually – including almost $10.4 million each year to support Indigenous people in the GTA.

Grateful to work alongside dedicated colleagues like my Minister, Greg Rickford, who ensure we get it done for Ontario.

Find Out More: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-increasing…

TBAVS OTF Grant

Congratulations to the Thunder Bay and Area Victims Services who received a $52,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation under the Resilient Communities Fund, to cover costs for volunteer-victim training, social network recruitment, creating digital presentations and staff manuals.

TBAVS helps those struck by tragedy and this funding has enhanced and upgraded their ability to attract and retain volunteers, as well as supporting those volunteers in their important work. Thank you for your care and compassion to the people of Thunder Bay and area.

$19.6 Million for Atikokan Biomass Program

Minister Graydon Smith and MPP Kevin Holland announced the new $19.6 million Forest Biomass Program. This program will support projects to harvest more wood from Crown forests, increase forest sector job creation and regional economic growth and find new uses for wood in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities.

It includes four streams, designed to position Ontario as a leader in innovative uses of forest biomass. I was pleased to be invited to tour the facility in Atikokan.
Read more here: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-creating-new-program…

St. James School Funding

I visited St. James School on May 26th to congratulate them on helping to run a successful Arts program for disadvantaged students to learn and grow their love of art, culture and heritage.

The program received $155,500 through the Trillium Foundation Community Arts and Heritage Education Project for a three year project, across 4 local schools in Thunder Bay.

Increase to Mental Health Funding in Schools

As we recognize CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK, May 1 – 7, 2023, I am reminded of a recent opportunity to meet Mr. Rob Dueck and learn of The Jaida Project. Their team has issued an impactful letter which includes statistics and the project team’s goals in advocating for mental health reforms. Please contact 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐣𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 for more information.

I am very proud and pleased to share that our Ontario government has announced an increase in mental health funding in schools to a historic $114 million in 2023-24, representing an over 500 per cent increase since 2018. These investments to implement mandatory mental health literacy resources along with increased permanent mental health workers in our schools are essential to improving our community connections and access to care.

Please visit the link to learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002993/ontario-launching-new-mental-health-learning-and-increasing-funding

Events in the Riding

25th Year Celebration of Our Kids Count

Please join me in acknowledging the 25-year Celebration of Our Kids Count. There is no question that this vital organization has, and continues to, lift up families through meaningful, credible supports that foster hope and possibilities for the children served. 10,997 visits to OKC programs in 2021!

We tip our cap to the staff and board, both past and present! To John Trevisanutto and his family, we pay tribute to your 14-year investments and commitment to Our Kids Count.

International Firefighters Day

Today we acknowledge International Firefighter’s Day. This occasion is one that is highly personal for me. My father and brother have both served as volunteer firefighters in our home community, as did I for 21 years. The honour of serving alongside the brave volunteers whose sole purpose was and is to protect our community, is not something easily captured in a few words.

To all of the men and women, both past and present, who have dedicated their lives to the protection of our lives and property, we honour you. To the families who have supported these courageous citizens who choose to make these sacrifices each day they go to work, we recognize and thank you also. For those we have lost in the line of duty, we remember you today and always.

50th Folklore Festival

It was great to attend the 50th Folklore Festival on Sunday May 7th. My congratulations to all the staff and volunteers from the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association on a successful event! What a tremendous turn out by the people of the Thunder Bay District!

Lakehead University Reception

I attended the reception to honour President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Moira McPherson for her exceptional leadership and service to Lakehead University.

I wish Dr. McPherson all the best in her future endeavors.

Canadian Franchise Association

Happy to meet with members of the Canadian Franchise Association to discuss their industry and hear how we can work together to ensure the continued success of the industry in Ontario. I look forward to working with the association in the future.

DSSAB Sponsored Dinner

It was my honour to attend a dinner sponsored by the Thunder Bay DSSAB, to recognize the service of retiring board members. Thank you to Bill Bradica, CAO and staff for organizing this event, It was great to see those that I was fortunate to have served with during my 10 years on the board.

I want to thank all current and past board members and staff for their commitment to serve the residents in the district.

Red Shirt Day

I am wearing Red to show support for persons living with disabilities in our province, and our country!

By wearing a red shirt, you can show your support for individuals and families who are living with disabilities, celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities, and pledge your commitment to helping create a fully accessible and inclusive society.

For more information visit: RedShirtDay.ca

Fighting Walleye Game 7 Win

Another great night of hockey at the Norwest Arena in Oliver-Paipoonge. Congratulations to the Kam River Fighting Walleye for an exciting win in game 7 of the series.

I think that Oliver-Paipoonge Mayor, Lucy Kloosterhuis was as excited as the team with the win.

Congratulations

Thunder Bay Multicultural Association 50th Anniversary

I would like to take this time to congratulate the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association on their 50th anniversary of the Folklore Festival taking place on (May 6) and Sunday (May 7) at the Fort William Gardens. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with you when I attend on Sunday.

National Nursing Week Recognition

In recognition of National Nursing Week May 8-17.

Meeting with Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario

Alice Bellavance, CEO at Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario (BISNO), met with me this week to provide an update of certain challenges faced by her team and our larger community due to lack of secured care housing options in Thunder Bay. It was an important opportunity for me to hear what the clients, their families and staff are experiencing.

Engaging in such meaningful discussion opens the door to exploring credible, sustainable, and longer-term solutions. I look forward to continuing the dialogue and working alongside other service partners.

Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Happy to visit the Dairy Farmers of Ontario reception at Queens Park today. Great to speak with many of the dairy farmers from across the province.

Conmee Comedy Night

Another great night of comedy in Conmee tonight in support of the Conmee Non Profit.

2023 Walk for Alzheimer’s

I was joined by family and friends for the 2023 Walk for Alzheimer’s in honor of those living with Alzheimer’s and in remembrance of those who we have lost.

We also acknowledge the pain and selfless sacrifices of their caregivers. I’m pleased to announce that all of the money raised by this walk stays in Thunder Bay.

St. Ignatius High School Catholic Youth Conference

I was fortunate to spend a little time at St. Ignatius High School during the Catholic Youth Conference 2023 on Tuesday, May 2nd. The event occurred during Catholic Education Week, the theme being We are Many, We are One. Also recognized was Mental Health Week with the theme, My Story…..

I was able to hear and participate in the Andy Impact presentation along with students from several high schools who gathered at St. Ignatius High School. It was incredible to see the youth respond to this dynamic and engaging speaker! We were sorry to have to miss the other speaker, Randell Adjei, but have heard great feedback about him as well. Our gratitude and appreciation to the hardworking and caring group of teachers and staff of the Catholic School Board who wanted their students to have this memorable experience! May the lessons learned have a lasting impact on us all.

Smile Cookie Fundraising

My staff and I are pleased to support two amazing organizations, George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation and Toys for Tots once again with the Smile Cookie Fundraising from Tim Hortons!

Family Fun Day

I was so very grateful to be a part of the Family Fun Day at the Kakabeka Falls Legion Saturday May 6. It was a great way to round out National Mental Health Week. A fantastic turn out to find out about all the mental health assistance available with a focus on Emergency Services.

Thank you Jeff and Laura for all your hard work to put on such an informative and great event!

Community Living Month

Community Living associations in Ontario support over 80,000 people who have an intellectual disability and their families.

Congratulations Community Living Ontario on your 70th anniversary!

To learn more go to: https://communitylivingontario.ca/community-living-month/…

Grade 5 Class Learning the Trades

I caught up with the grade 5 class from Kakabeka Falls School recently at Confederation College, where they were learning the trades by building bird houses.

President’s Breakfast and 2023 Community report

I attended the President’s Breakfast and 2023 Report to the Community, at Confederation College on May 24th.

Congratulations to President Kathleen Lynch for a very successful year in 2022. I look forward to seeing the college’s future accomplishments.

Thunder Bay Police Services “Changing of the Guard”

It was my pleasure to be on hand for the Thunder Bay Police Services “Changing of the Guard” ceremony. I want to congratulate the new Chief of Police, Darcy Fleury. I look forward to working with you and I am confident that your years of service will serve you well in your new role. I wish you much success.

I would also like to thank Dan Taddeo, not only for your time serving as the acting Police Chief, but also for your 36 years of service with the Thunder Bay Police Services. It has been my absolute pleasure getting to know you and to work with you during the past year. I commend you for all your years of serving and protecting the citizens of Thunder Bay. All the best to you in retirement.

Paramedic Week

Happy to stop by the Atikokan Ambulance Base today to share some lunch and to express our appreciation for all that they do.

This Paramedic Week, May 21st to 27th, 2023, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that these people make to serve others every day.

Atikokan Review of Washout

I was in Atikokan and met with Mayor Rob Ferguson and CAO Jason Young to review the damage caused by the washout on Mercury Avenue.

While in town we also looked at other upcoming infrastructure needs of the community.

I offered my support and help to the Mayor and CAO as they navigate through the state of emergency and look forward to working with them on community needs.

OPSBA’s Take your MPP to School Day

What a pleasure to spend a few hours today with the remarkable students and educators of École Elsie MacGill, Westgate CVI, and Kakabeka Falls Public School!

To see first hand the tremendous promise of our youth reminded me how important it is to take time to acknowledge what educators, students and parents together are accomplishing every day. Do we have more work to do? Yes. Do we still have challenges to overcome? Yes. We can remember, however, that there is power in celebrating their successes along the journey. Thank you all for your kindness, and I wish you many more moments of triumph.

Celebrating Catherine Manelick’s 100th birthday

I was honoured to bring best wishes to Catherine Manelick as she celebrated her 100th birthday. The Rosslyn Community Centre was filled with many family and friends including many of her 75 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I was joined by the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Neebing, Brian Wright.

Happy Birthday Catherine I wish you a year of good health and much happiness.

Northern Ontario School of Medicine Class of 2023

I was pleased to attend the Graduation Celebration and Medical Coat Ceremony at Magnus Theater, for the inaugural Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University Class of 2023. Congratulations to all of the graduates.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. And well done to President Verma, Faculty and Staff. You can be proud of your students.

Minister Visits

Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy Visit

I am proud and pleased that during his visit to Thunder Bay, The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, took the time to meet with Mr. Abraham Drost, CEO & Director, Clean Air Metals.

Our provincial government has demonstrated our commitment to investing in Thunder Bay and the region as a critical mining exploration hub. Never before has northern Ontario been so prominently highlighted in a provincial budget than in the 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario.

Sincere gratitude to Clean Air Metals for hosting Minister Bethlenfalvy and myself. We look forward to continued dialogue and action with a view to continued bolstering of our critical mineral supply that drives transformative technology production.

Minister Graydon Smith Visit

Thank you to Resolute Forest Products Thunder Bay for hosting myself and Minister Graydon Smith for a tour last week!

Great to catch up with the staff and an amazing opportunity to showcase the size of the forestry industry in Thunder Bay and the sustainable practices used.

President’s Breakfast and 2023 Community report

A roundtable of industry leaders from various sectors is a productive way to address the opportunities facing the northern economy.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, the discussion can lead to innovative solutions that benefit the region as a whole. I was pleased to be a part of this kind of roundtable discussion today with Ministers Greg Rickford, Graydon Smith in Thunder Bay.

Grand Openings

Grand Opening of Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic

I was humbled and honored to receive an invitation to the Grand Opening of the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (LNPLC) on Friday, May 5th. What a great turnout to celebrate this trail-blazing group of people!

The expansion of the clinic’s facilities and services will accommodate an additional 1,600+ patients in our area. The clinic now has 8 nurse practitioners, each of whom serves 800 patients. In addition to the nurse practitioners, the clinic also has registered nurses, social workers, a pharmacist, and a dietitian who together provide many aspects of care for patients, including diabetes care, mental health and addiction services, caregiver support, and memory screening; just to name a few. This team-based model of care offered through the LNPLC will continue to allow our residents necessary access to primary care, and moreover, to participate in a holistic approach to well-being.

Congratulations to the entire team led by Pam Delgaty and the board! To those who paved the way for the LNPLC to become such a crucial service to our residents, we value you.

Grand Opening of Air Bravo Hanger

It was my pleasure to join Air Bravo at the grand opening of their new hanger at the Thunder Bay Airport. What a remarkable milestone for the company in Thunder Bay and the services they provide in our region.

We were given a tour of their facility including several of the planes. Happy to see acting City of Thunder Bay mayor, Kasey Etreni. To top off the celebrations we were entertained by the great Ontario country duo, “The Reklaws.”

Congratulations to all involved and I wish Air Bravo continued success.

Awards

2023 Business Excellence Awards

Happy to attend the Kelly Mental Health Gala at the Delta Hotel. great to support this important organization.

2023 Business Excellence Awards

I would like to thank the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce for the warm invitation to the 2023 Business Excellence Awards. The Old Hollywood theme was a fantastic fit.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Thank you for all you do in Thunder Bay to make your business a place for all to find quality, professional, and great service.

Grade 8 Award of Excellence Ceremony

It was my pleasure to participate in the Lakehead Public School Board’s Grade 8 Award of Excellence ceremony. What a wonderful evening of recognizing the achievements of 23 very deserving Grade 8 students.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Klara van Duyn, Crestview Public School, Alexa Paternoster, Ecole Elsie MacGill Public School, Carson Ambury, Kakabeka Falls Public School, Kayla Feletto, Kingsway Park Public School, Sybella Rytkonen, Lakehead Virtual Elementary School, Emma MacLean, McKellar Park Central Public School, Sophia Marcon, Nor’wester View Public School, Graysonn de Franceschi, Ogden Community School, Danis Suganaqueb, Sherbrooke Public School, Noey Sameshima, Valley Central Public School, Dara Onireti, Westmount Public School, Daphne Vanlenthe, Whitefish Valley Public School, Kobain Morgan, Algonquin Avenue Public School, Michelle Gauvin, Armstrong Public School, Olivia Ponka, C.D. Howe Public School, Sophia Parks, Claude E. Garton Public School, Khushi Shrestha, Ecole Gron Morgan Public School, Dominic Lombardo, Five Mile Public School, Talan Douglas, Gorham & Ware Community School, Ava Wintermute, McKenzie Public School, Sage Ruby, St. James Public School, Lilly Modin, Vance Chapman Public School and Kendall Levesque, Woodcrest Public School.

Condolences

Passing of Sergeant Eric Mueller

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fellow officers of the OPP officers shot in the line of duty early this morning, and especially to the loved ones of Sergeant Eric Mueller who lost his life in the line of duty. He will be remembered for his dedication and bravery.