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MPP Holland’s | November 2024 Newsletter

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    Featured News

    Chamber of Commerce Leader’s Luncheon

    I had the great honour of being invited to speak at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Leader’s Luncheon.

    It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces and to share the incredible accomplishments being made in Thunder Bay – Atikokan and across Northwestern Ontario!

    Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this event—it was a fantastic turnout. A special thank you to the Da Vinci Centre for the delicious food, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper and Intercity Industrial Supply for sponsoring the luncheon, and the Chamber of Commerce for organizing such a successful event.

    The work doesn’t stop here. I remain committed to working alongside our local businesses and organizations to advocate for your needs and to build healthy communities to support a strong economy.

    Monthly Funding Overview

    Announcements & Investments in the Riding

    $366,248 NOHFC Investment to KBM Resources and Embark Port Services

    I had the pleasure of joining Ian Gillies from KBM Resources Group and Sean Davies from Embark Port Services to announce a combined investment of $366,248 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

    This funding will play a key role in enhancing operations and creating well-paying jobs right here in Northwestern Ontario, contributing to the region’s continued growth and success.

    A special thank you to KBM Resources Group for hosting the announcement in their impressive new hangar, which was built with support from the funding announced today.

    See news release here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-supporting-business…/

    $400,000 NOHFC Investment to Smart Modular Canada and Power System Solutions

    I had the privilege of announcing over $400,000 in combined NOHFC funding to Smart Modular Canada and Power System Solutions.

    This funding will enable both businesses to purchase new equipment that supports growth in their respective sectors. By making strategic investments like these, our government is fostering economic growth, encouraging local innovation, and helping businesses thrive across Northern Ontario.

    Thank you to Smart Modular Canada for hosting this announcement, and congratulations on celebrating your 4th anniversary!

    Learn more about this exciting announcement here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-supporting-business…/

    $559,910 NOHFC Funding to Lakehead University

    I had the great opportunity to join Lakehead University to announce that our government is investing $559,910 through the NOHFC to support their expansion of its soil-structure-interaction testing facility.

    This facility will provide critical research into soil-structure interactions, and will allow collaborative research and development projects between Lakehead University and the engineering and mining industries across Canada. Its very exciting to see new opportunities like this happening in Thunder Bay

    Thank you to Lakehead University for hosting the announcement and to everyone who joined to share in this great news.

    $664,000 NOHFC Investment to Superior Resources and Precambrian Natural Surface Trails

    I was pleased to join Superior Resources Inc. to announce a $664,000 investment from the province through the NOHFC, which will be shared with Precambrian Natural Surface Trails.

    Superior Resources received $360,000 from this funding to purchase equipment that will help grow their business and increase their capacity. Precambrian Natural Surface Trails received $304,000 to purchase and expand a building to accommodate administrative operations and enhance their operational capacity. Congratulations to both recipients on receiving this critical funding to support their important work.

    Thank you to Superior Resources for hosting the event and to everyone who joined us for this great announcement!

    Learn more here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-supporting-business…/

    $77,800 Resilient Communities OTF Funding to the Thunder Bay Diving Club

    I had the pleasure of visiting the Thunder Bay Diving Club to see firsthand the amazing impact of the $77,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)!

    This funding has helped the Club rebound from pandemic challenges, boosting recruitment, improving training with new equipment, and increasing participation by an impressive 50%!

    With new resources like the twisting belt and expanded outreach, the Club is building a competitive team while fostering a strong, health-focused community.

    I look forward to seeing the continued success of the Thunder Bay Diving Club in the years ahead!

    Community Spotlight

    Fort William Gardens Remembrance Day Ceremony

    I attended the Fort William Gardens service to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our country.

    We remember their courage and reflect on the freedoms they fought for.

    Lest We Forget

    Atikokan Remembrance Day Ceremony

    I was unable to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145 in Atikokan, but my thoughts were with all those gathered to honour the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.

    Their courage and commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten. We remember and reflect on their legacy, today and every day.

    Lest We Forget.

    Thunder Bay Highschool Students Visit Queens Park

    I had the pleasure of welcoming the grade 10 civics class from Hammarskjold Highschool in Thunder Bay to Queens Park.

    I’m always happy to see local youth getting involved in the political process, it’s experiences like these that help shape the future leaders of Ontario.

    Thank you for making the trip to Queens Park Hammarskjold students!

    Ministry News

    Meeting with Ian Dunn, President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA)

    I had a productive meeting with Ian Dunn, President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA).

    We discussed key opportunities to strengthen Ontario’s forest and forest product industries. Looking forward to continuing our collaboration to support this vital sector for our province!

    Ontario Wood Program Booth Visit

    Proud to support the Ontario Wood Program! By advocating for the use of locally grown wood, we’re not only strengthening our economy but also promoting sustainable practices that will benefit future generations.

    First Reading of Resource Management and Safety Act

    Pleased to stand with Graydon Smith and Dawn Gallagher Murphy for the first reading of the Resource Management and Safety Act. This legislation is aimed at enhancing the safety and long-term sustainability of Ontario’s natural resources, strengthen our forestry sector, and drive economic growth and innovation.

    Read more about the bill here: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-introducing…

    Connecting with Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

    I had the great opportunity to connect with Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah at the Scaling Up Bio conference!

    Looking forward to continuing these important conversations and finding ways to further enhance our natural resource management for the benefit of future generations.

    Tour of Saunders Farm

    I had a great time meeting with Kristin from Saunders Farm and getting a behind-the-scenes look at their operations before the Christmas season kicks off!

    If you’re in the Ottawa area this holiday season, it’s definitely worth checking out the farm for some festive fun!

    Tour of Ben Hokum & Son Limited

    MPP John Yakabuski and myself had the pleasure of touring Ben Hokum & Son Limited and meeting with Dean Felhaber and Dean Johnson!

    It was great to see their state-of-the-art facility and learn more about the great work they do in sustainable forestry and wood production.

    Thank you to the team at Ben Hokum for the warm welcome and for showing us around!

    MNR Facility in Pembroke

    While on the road, MPP John Yakabuski and myself stopped by the Pembroke MNR Facility to meet with the local staff. Thank you for all that you do in protecting and managing Ontario’s natural resources. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated!

    Scaling Up Conference in Ottawa

    I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel at the Scaling Up Conference in Ottawa, where we discussed the importance of the forestry and forest product industry.

    It was a great opportunity to highlight the significant role this sector plays in driving our economy, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable practices.

    A big thank you to the Scaling Up organizers and fellow panelists for a productive and insightful conference.

    Touring Herb Shaw and Sons mill operations

    MPP John Yakabuski and myself had the opportunity to stop by Herb Shaw and Sons to tour their mill operations.

    As a former entrepreneur, I’m happy to see family-run businesses thriving in the forestry sector. Their dedication and hard work are vital to Ontario’s economy.

    Thank you for taking the time to have us on site!

    Touring Murray Bros Lumber Facility

    Had a fantastic time joining MPP John Yakabuski, Malcom Cockwell, and Ian Dunn at Murray Bros Lumber for an insightful tour of their facility. Thank you for having us on-site and giving us the opportunity to see firsthand the hard work that goes into your operations!

    Touring Murray Bros Lumber Facility

    I had the pleasure of joining MPP John Yakabuski in Eganville, Ontario, along with leaders in the forestry industry. We had the opportunity to hear directly from participants about both the successes and the opportunities facing our sector as we work to establish Ontario as a global leader in forestry.

    I want to extend my thanks to everyone in the industry for their hard work, dedication and valuable insights, which will help strengthen the forestry sector. I look forward to future discussions and continued collaboration!

    Awareness, Showcase and Appreciation

    2024 Santa Claus Parade

    I joined the Santa Claus Parade. It was wonderful to see so many families and friends coming together to enjoy the festive spirit.

    Thanks to everyone who helped make the event a success!

    Queens Park Highlights

    Invasive Species Centre Reception

    I attended the Invasive Species Centre reception at Queens Park, where we got an up-close look at some Sea Lamprey. I didn’t realize just how sticky they are until I almost couldn’t get one off my hand!

    Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association Reception

    I had a sweet time with the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association!

    Their passion for this iconic industry is inspiring. Let’s continue to promote and celebrate our local syrup producers—pure Ontario goodness!

    IBAO Reception Event at Queens Park

    It was great to connect with local insurance broker Shawana Kozak last week at the IBAO: Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario Reception at Queen’s Park.
    A big thank you to the IBAO for hosting a fantastic event!

    MRT and DMS Reception at Queens Park

    Happy to see one of my constituents, Erin Arps, in Toronto representing Thunder Bay’s MRTs (Medical Radiation Technologists) and DMSs (Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) at a reception at Queen’s Park

    General News

    Building world class skilled trades training facilities

    Our government announced it is launching the second round of its Skills Development Fund Capital Stream starting November 29, with over $74 million in available funding to build, expand and retrofit training facilities for workers in the trades.

    Find out more about the SDF here https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-over-74…

    Supporting the mental health of frontline and public safety workers

    Quality mental health care, where and when it’s needed.

    Our government is investing $32 million in a specialized Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program for police officers, firefighters, correctional workers, and paramedics who work every day to keep Thunder Bay – Atikokan safe.

    Here’s how: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-expanding-mental…

    Supporting Ontario’s Firefighters

    While many run from danger, firefighters, investigators and volunteers run towards it. That’s why our government is taking action to make sure they get the cancer care coverage that they deserve.

    Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-expanding-cancer…