MPP Holland’s May 2025 Newsletter

June 4, 2025

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    Featured News

    Thunder Bay & District Humane Society Merges with The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

    Congratulations to the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society on their merger with the The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society a partnership that marks a new chapter in advancing animal welfare in our region.

    This collaboration builds on decades of dedicated service and will help expand local programming, increase capacity to care for animals in need, and ensure continued support for both animals and the people who care for them.

    NR: https://ontariospca.ca/…/thunder-bay-district-humane…/

    NOSMU Convocation

    I would like to extend my congratulations to all the students who graduated at the NOSM University Convocation!

    Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought you to this incredible milestone. It’s inspiring to see so many talented graduates coming out of Northern Ontario, ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond. Wishing you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your careers.

    Announcements & Investments in the Riding

    Over $250,000 Investment to Expand TBPS Surveillance Systems

    I’m pleased to share that our government is investing $254,730 to support the Thunder Bay Police Service expand their video surveillance systems.

    This important investment will enhance the tools our officers need to combat gun and gang violence and better protect our community from serious criminal activity.

    Thank you to the dedicated officers of the Thunder Bay Police Service for their continued efforts to keep our communities safe.

    See more here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-to-keep…/

    Province Building New State-of-the-Art OPP Detachment in Thunder Bay

    Our government building a new, state-of-the-art OPP detachment in Thunder Bay to give police the tools they need to crack down on crime keep our communities safe.

    News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005944/ontario-investing-in-modern-new-policing-facilities-to-protect-communities

    Community Spotlight

    Touring Transitional Housing Project

    Thank you to Urban Abbey and The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board for hosting Minister Rob Flack and myself for a tour of their transitional housing project on Simpson Street.

    Ten transitional units are now completed, with fourteen more under construction. This project represents a meaningful step forward in supporting individuals in need of stable, supportive housing. It’s great to see how our province’s investment is bringing real, positive change.

    Visiting Adult & Teen Challenge

    As part of mental health week, I had the opportunity to visit Adult & Teen Challenge to tour their space and hear about their plans to expand operations. We had meaningful discussions about the important work they’re doing through their programs and services to support individuals and families in our community.

    Thank you for welcoming me and sharing your vision for growth. . The support you provide to men, women, and families facing mental health and addictions challenges is making a real difference. I commend the dedicated staff for their compassion and commitment to changing lives.

    King Charles III Medal Presented by the Lieutenant Governor

    I would like to extend my congratulations to Linda Bruins on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont. This well-deserved honour is a testament to Linda’s dedication and outstanding contributions to our community. Thank you, Linda, for all that you do!

    Meeting with CEO of Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper

    Thank you to Bill MacPherson for taking the time to share valuable insights into the forestry sector and the important work being done at the mill.

    Looking forward to our continued collaboration together to support the growth of Northwestern Ontario’s forest industry.

    Walk for Alzheimer’s

    I joined the Walk for Alzheimer’s at Chapple’s Park! It was a great turnout, raising $32,549 to support individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this important cause.

    Successful Move of the Crossroads Centre

    Thank you to St. Joseph’s Care Group for having me at the new home of the Crossroads Centre at 667 Sibley Drive!

    With input from clients and staff, the space is purpose-built to support people on their recovery journey through pre- and post-treatment care. This move is part of a broader effort to expand mental health and addictions services in our community. Thank you to the dedicated team providing compassionate, client-centered care every day.

    Rural Cupboard Food Bank 25th Anniversary!

    I would like to extend my congratulations to the Rural Cupboard Food Bank on their 25th Anniversary!

    For a quarter of a century, this incredible organization has been a pillar of support for so many in our rural communities ensuring that individuals and families have access to the food and resources they need.

    Thank you to all the volunteers, donors, and staff who have made this milestone possible. Here’s to many more years of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

    Meeting with Mayor Rob Ferguson and CAO Jason Young

    On our visit to Atikokan, we had a great meeting with Mayor Rob Ferguson and Jason Young.

    Thank you both for your time and for the productive discussion about the opportunities facing the community.

    Meeting with the Atikokan General Hospital Team

    I had a productive meeting with the dedicated team at the Atikokan General Hospital.

    It was great to hear their feedback and continue working together to strengthen healthcare services in Atikokan.

    Thank you to the entire team for your ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the community.

    Atikokan Pioneer Club’s 50th Anniversary

    While I was in Atikokan, I had the pleasure of stopping by the Pioneer Club to congratulate them on their 50th anniversary!

    Congratulations to everyone involved with the Centre over the years. Keep an eye out for events they’ll be hosting to celebrate this remarkable milestone in the coming months!

    Ministry News

    FONOM Convention

    I had the pleasure of attending FONOM Conference along side many of my colleagues.

    Meeting with GreenFirst

    During my travels to FONOM in North Bay, I had the pleasure of meeting with Joel Fournier and Chris McDonnell as well as the staff of GreenFirst! It was great to sit down and discuss the strengths of our sector.

    King Charles III Coronation Medal Presentations

    As Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, I had the great honour of presenting three King Charles III Coronation Medals to individuals who have made lasting contributions to Ontario’s forestry sector.

    I’m proud to recognize Ian Dunn, President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association, Dana Shaw, Vice-President of Herb Shaw and Sons, and Tom Ratz, Chief Forester at Domtar, for this well-deserved honour.

    All three have served the forestry industry with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and dedication. I look forward to continuing our important work together to advance and strengthen Ontario’s forestry sector.

    $11.3 Million in Investments to Northeastern Ontario

    I am excited to share that I announced $11.3M in investments across Northeastern Ontario into our Forest Biomass Program. Congratulations to all the recipients of these funds, our government is committed to ensuring the prosperity and success of the forest sector as we continue to invest into the future of Ontario!

    NR: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-protecting-forest…

    Tour of GreenFirst Facilities

    As we wrap up our tour in Northeastern Ontario I had a chance to visit with one of our Forest Biomass Recipients! GreenFirst Forest Products received over $3M to support in boosting innovations and continuing to be global leaders in the forest sector.

    NextGen Wood Conference

    That’s a wrap on the NextGen Wood Conference! I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of our forestry sector and the future of innovative sustainable practices to ensure Ontario is a global leader in the sector. Our government is committed to protecting our industries , our communities and protecting Ontario!

    Resource Management Safety Act

    I proudly stood with Minister Harris and PA Gallager Murphy at Queen’s Park for the introduction of the Resource Management and Safety Act, 2025 — a major step forward for Ontario’s forests and natural resources.

    This legislation, if passed, strengthens how we care for and manage our natural resources by:

    • Enhancing wildland fire prevention to protect forests, communities, and biodiversity
    • Addressing legacy oil and gas wells to safeguard our land and water
    • Modernizing the land surveying profession to support better forest planning and stewardship enabling safe carbon storage to position

    Ontario as a leader in climate-smart resource management and Our forests are one of Ontario’s greatest assets — vital for our environment, economy, and way of life.

    This bill ensures we manage our natural resources responsibly. Our government is dedicated to protecting Ontario!

    Queens Park

    Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs at Queens Park

    I had the pleasure of meeting with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. These dedicated men and women are a true representation of the strength, professionalism, and commitment that define our emergency fire services.

    It was especially meaningful to connect with Chief David Paxton, who proudly represented our local fire services.

    Thank you to Chief Paxton and all fire chiefs across Ontario for your leadership and service to our province. Your efforts help keep our communities safe each and every day.

    Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors at Queens Park

    It was great to meet with the Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors to discuss the current needs and opportunities as well as the future for these communities!

    Meeting with Experimental Lakes Area

    It’s been a great start to the week at Queens Park! I had the opportunity to sit down with Experimental Lakes Area to discuss their current projects and the opportunities for the future. Across all sectors we are working to protect Ontario and continue to thrive!

    Alstom Meeting at Queens Park

    Had a great meeting with Minister Sarkaria, Olivier Marcil, and Fittipauld Lourenco from ALSTOM at Queens Park!

    Grateful for the opportunity to discuss Ontario’s growing transportation sector and the important role Alstom plays in supporting innovation and job creation in Thunder Bay and Ontario.

    Tim Hortons Meeting at Queens Park

    I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from Tim Hortons during Franchise Advocacy Day at Queens Park.

    We had a great conversation about the important role local franchisees play in supporting communities, creating jobs, and fueling our economy.

    Thank you to the Tim Hortons team for your continued commitment to Ontario’s communities and for sharing your insights.

    Provincial Initiatives

    Honouring Veterans for their Exceptional Community Service

    Our new award for veterans recognizes individuals for exceptional service such as work to help other veterans re-integrate into civilian life, supporting those dealing with ongoing mental or physical injuries, or other community-building initiatives.

    News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005934/ontario-launches-award-to-honour-exceptional-veterans

    Heritage Organization Development Grant Open!

    Applications for the Heritage Organization and Development Grant are now open! The grant provides eligible organizations with funding to promote awareness of Ontario’s heritage.

    To apply visit: https://www.ontario.ca/…/available-funding…