MPP Holland’s | December 2024 Newsletter

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Featured News

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Northern Health Travel Grant Increase

If you live in Northern Ontario, starting today you can access more benefits through the improved Northern Health Travel Grant program to help reduce your costs and make it easier when travelling to connect to care.

Learn more: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-connecting-people-in…/

Monthly Funding Overview

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Announcements & Investments in the Riding

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New Emergency Mental Health and Addictions Area Coming to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Big news for Thunder Bay & Region!

I joined the Hon. Minister Sylvia Jones to announce the province’s investment in a new Mental Health and Addictions Assessment and Observation Area at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre!

This critical investment will provide a safe new space for patients and families, while also giving health care professionals the resources they need to deliver the best possible care.

Learn more details about this project here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-connecting-more…/

Province Investing $9.3 Million to Expand Cancer Care Services

I had the privilege of joining the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute to announce that the province has invested $9.3 million to expand their cancer care services. This investment brings critical health care closer to home, including:

– A new PET-CT scanner for advanced cancer diagnostics

– Expansion of the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) service from two to three units, increasing capacity for life-saving radiation therapy

These upgrades mean more patients in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario will have access to state-of-the-art cancer treatments right here in our community.

NR: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-expanding-access-to…/

Province Invests over $18 Million to Support Healthcare Facilities

I was thrilled to announce that the provincial government is investing over $18 million to support staffing and operations at St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and Atikokan General Hospital!

This funding will enable these organizations to better support and retain healthcare workers, enhance access to care, and address the specific needs of our rural populations.

Over the past month, I have announced over $40 million in funding for our local healthcare sector. I want to emphasize how these investments demonstrate our government’s commitment to improving healthcare in Thunder Bay – Atikokan and across Northwestern Ontario.

See more details here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-providing-over-18…/

Over $8 Million in Provincial Funding Directed Towards Creating 66 New Transitional Housing Spaces

I had the pleasure of joining members of The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, Alpha Court Community Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Urban Abbey to proudly announce that over $8 million in provincial government investments are going towards building 66 new transitional housing units in Thunder Bay!

This is very exciting news as providing these spaces will provide much more than a roof someone’s head. They will also offer comprehensive supportive services to help individuals rebuild their lives, regain independence and offer transition to permanent housing.

Over the past three years, the HPP program has created 190 fully supported housing units across the Thunder Bay district, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to addressing housing needs and supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.

See more details here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/mpp-holland-announces-more…/

Community Spotlight

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Minister McCarthy’s Visit to Kakabeka Falls

Had a fantastic time showing Minister Todd McCarthy the breathtaking beauty of Kakabeka during his visit to the riding last week. Always a pleasure to share the wonders of Thunder Bay – Atikokan with my colleagues.

Minister Piccini Visits IBEW Local 402

Minister David Piccini and I visited IBEW Local 402 to tour their operations and meet with eager network cable specialist students, who showed us how to connect a CAT-6 Cable.

With over 425 active members, IBEW Local 402 is building a stronger workforce, one job-ready electrician at a time.

Minister Piccini Visits Millwright Local 1151

I had the honour of joining Minister David Piccini at Millwright Local 1151, where we connected with their Level 1 and 2 apprentices who are gaining the valuable skills needed to build Ontario’s future.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to meet with us. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and witnessing more of the incredible work being done in the future!

I would also like to highlight that Minister Piccini’s visit marks the 105th ministerial visit to our riding since 2022. These visits are crucial for giving ministers firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges across our region!

Minister Oosterhoff tours Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper

It was a pleasure to tour the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper operations with Minister Sam Oosterhoff!

We had a great opportunity to see firsthand the important work being done to drive our local economy, support good jobs, and contribute to sustainable forestry practices.

Proud to see the innovation and dedication in our community!

Minister Oosterhoff tours Domtar Sawmill (Resolute)

Thank you to the Domtar sawmill for having Minister Sam Oosterhoff and myself at your facility.

It was a great opportunity to showcase the sawmill’s operations and demonstrate how it contributes to our forestry sector!

Awareness, Showcase and Appreciation

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Honoured to be Appointed as Minister of the Associate Ministry of Forestry and Forest Products

Together, we’re delivering real, meaningful change to improve Ontario. From strengthening our healthcare system and creating jobs, to investing in infrastructure and making life more affordable, we’re working hard every day to provide a better future for all Ontarians.

Ministry News

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Meeting with School Principals of Ontario Association

Had great conversations at the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) board meeting. I look forward to continuing our work with the OFIA to strengthen and grow Ontario’s forestry sector.

Queen’s Park Highlights

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Meeting with School Principals of Ontario Association

It was great to meet with Hillary Howe and Amy Johnson with the School Principals of Ontario Association! Thank you for taking the time to meet with me at Queen’s Park.

Ontario Professional Firefighters Association Reception

I was pleased to see some familiar faces from Thunder Bay at the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association reception at Queen’s Park.

Thank you, Dennis Brescacin and Robert Sheppard, for representing Thunder Bay and for your dedicated service to our community!

Thunder Bay Police Association Meeting

I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Thunder Bay Police Association during their visit to Queen’s Park.

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the important issues facing our community. I appreciate the dedication of the Thunder Bay Police Service and look forward to continuing these conversations.

Meeting with Enbridge

Thank you to the representatives from Enbridge for taking the time to meet with me at Queen’s Park. I appreciate the valuable conversation and look forward to working together on issues that impact our region.

General News

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Building Safer Communities

With encampments and the use of illegal drugs in public spaces, communities & families are concerned.

We are acting decisively to dismantle encampments, build long-term stable housing, stop drug use in public spaces, and keep Ontario safe.

News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-restoring-safety-to…

Seniors Active Living Centre Program Expansion

We’re making the largest single year investment in Seniors Active Living Centres by any government in Ontario’s history. Starting next year, 100 new SALC programs will open to provide seniors with more ways to stay healthy, active, and connected in their community.

NR: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-invests-in-largest…

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