May 2024 Newsletter
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Featured News
For the first time in 25 years, our government is overhauling Ontario’s Secondary School Diploma.
Minister Stephen Lecce unveiled our Back To Basics plan, including:
– Ontario’s first financial literacy graduation requirement
– Return of modernized “Home Ec”
– Improved career education & pathways into STEM careers
News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/…/province-introduces-new-high…
Ontario completed the largest clean energy storage procurement in Canadian history to help power Ontario’s growth.
13 new energy projects will ensure we have the energy for the next international investment, the new homes we are building & more.
News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-completes-largest…
Provincial Government Investing $245,799 to Thunder Bay – Atikokan communities for emergency preparedness!
This funding will help purchase critical supplies and equipment and will enhance training for a safer community.
News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-in-local…/
Funding Overview
Announcements & Investments
$2.7 Million Investment to Support Launch of Superior North Specialized Treatment and Alternative Responders Program (STAR)
I had the privilege of joining Associate Minister Michael Tibollo to announce a significant investment of over $2.7 million by the provincial government in Thunder Bay. This funding will support the launch of a new mobile crisis response team, the Superior North Specialized Treatment and Alternative Responders (STAR).
The STAR team’s primary goal is to provide easier access to support for individuals facing homelessness or experiencing mental health and addiction crises. By doing so, we aim to reduce the need for emergency department visits and police involvement.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended today’s announcement and to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this response team a reality! Together, we are making a difference in our community.
News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-connecting-people-in…/
News Watch Article: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/star-team-to-connect-people-with-mobile-mental-health-services-8728447
Grand Opening of Shuniah EMS Station
I would like to extend my congratulations to Superior North EMS for the Grand Opening of their new EMS Station in Shuniah!
This is fantastic news for Superior North EMS, marking a significant upgrade from their previous accommodations, which were far from ideal. This new facility will have a lasting impact on both the City of Thunder Bay and the Municipality of Shuniah.
News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/superior-north-emergency-medial-services-ems/
Acadia Broadcasting Article: https://acadiabroadcasting.ca/new-emergency-services-base-opens-in-shuniah/
Community Spotlight
Take your MPP to School Week
I had the pleasure of visiting Whitefish Valley and Kakabeka Public Schools as part of Take Your MPP to School Week.
It was fantastic to tour both schools and engage with students by answering their thoughtful questions.
Returning to Kakabeka School, where I am an alumnus, was particularly special; it’s incredible to see the improvements made since my time there. Also a huge thank you to the students of Whitefish Valley School, as I had the honour of receiving an award of recognition from them.
Thank you to the Lakehead Public Schools Board, Kakabeka School, and Whitefish Valley School for hosting me. Its important to me to be able to engage with our community.
Confederation College President’s Breakfast
Had a great time at Confederation College for the President’s Breakfast. It was wonderful to connect with community leaders and hear about the college’s achievements in their community report. A big shout out to President Kathleen Lynch for all the great work the college has accomplished!
10th Anniversary of the Northwest Dementia Working Group
I attended the 10th anniversary of the Northwest Dementia Working Group. Thank you for inviting me, it was great connect and hear about the organizations accomplishments.
Henry Mattas Retirement
I had the honor of attending Henry Mattas’s retirement party at the O’Connor Community Centre.
Thank you Henry, for 49 years of outstanding work as Chief of the O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! Your dedication and service to our community have been truly remarkable.
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority’s 2024 Winetasting Event
Had a fantastic time the other weekend at the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority’s 2024 Winetasting event!
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and connect with the community. A special shoutout to Ryan Mackett and Tammy Cook for their hard work and dedication to the conservation efforts in our region.
2024 NOSMU Convocation
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sarita Verma for inviting me to the 2024 NOSM University Convocation!
Congratulations to all the new graduates who are now officially doctors. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are excited to see the incredible impact you will have in the medical field. Here’s to your bright future!
Local Ministerial News
Last Months Minister Visits
I would like to thank all the Ministers who were in the riding in April, I’m always glad to have ministers join me in Northwestern Ontario.
Since being elected we are currently at a total of 77 Minister visits to Thunder Bay – Atikokan. Our goal is to hit the 100 mark by the end of the year!
Awareness, Showcase and Appreciation
Recognizing the Launch of Superior North EMS STAR Program in Thunder Bay
I rose in the house to recognize our governments investment of $2.7 million over 3 years for the launch of the Superior North EMS Specialized Treatment and Alternative Responders (STAR) Program in Thunder Bay.
Its been an honour to work with Superior EMS Chief Shane Muir and Andrew Cuglietta throughout the proposal process.
I would also like to thank Minister Sylvia Jones and Associate Minister Michael Tibollo for their support in making this crucial service a reality.
Recognizing NOSM University and Dr. Sarita Verma
I rose in the House to recognize the remarkable achievements of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University. I also commend Dr. Verma for her outstanding dedication and service to our region.
Reunion with my 2nd-grade Teacher Mrs. Betty Sands
I had a lovely encounter with my 2nd-grade teacher from Kakabeka Falls School, Mrs. Betty Sands. It was very nice to see you again!
Ontario Police Week
As part of this year’s Police Week, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated local police services.
A big thank you to the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police – North West Region for their unwavering commitment to keeping Thunder Bay – Atikokan safe. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated by our community.
Red Shirt Day
In May, we celebrated the Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion! In celebration of National AccessAbility week, I wore red to show our support for persons and families of those living with disabilities.
To learn more about Red Shirt Day visit: https://redshirtday.org
Queen’s Park Advocacy Days
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs at Queen’s Park
It was an honour to welcome the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs to Queens Park. I had the pleasure of meeting with Acting Chief Dave Paxton of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Deputy Chief James Waffle of Windsor Fire Dept, Deputy Chief Bruce Morrison of Halton Hills Fire Dept, Chief Dave Robertson of South Glengarry Fire and Emergency Services, and Chief Jef Ogden of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services.
Your dedication and bravery in serving and protecting our communities is truly inspiring. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and heroic service!
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
I had the privilege of attending the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) advocacy day at Queen’s Park. It was an inspiring day of discussions and learning about the vital work CNIB does for our community
Father’s Day at the Park
I had the pleasure of attending Father’s Day at the Park hosted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
It was fantastic to hear Acting Platoon Chief Steve Jones of Burlington’s Fire Department share his valuable insights as an experienced firefighter and trainer for the Working Mind First Responders. Thank you for joining us at Queen’s park to participate in this wonderful event!