MPP Holland’s November 2025 Newsletter

December 8, 2025

Featured News

---

Announcements & Investments in the Riding

---

$2 Million Investment in the Indigenous Friendship Centre

I was pleased to join Minister George Pirie as we announced that the Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to support the creation of a new community centre space for the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre on Red River Road.

This new accessible facility will serve as a welcoming hub for Indigenous people in Thunder Bay. With expanded capacity for health services, housing supports, justice programs, traditional teachings, and wellness programming, the Centre will help strengthen community ties and create long-term opportunities for individuals and families.

My thanks go out to everyone whose hard work helped bring this project forward. I am proud to see this investment support a safe, modern, and culturally safe gathering place for Indigenous families and Elders in our region.

News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-2-million-to…

Conmee Receives $147,000 for Rink and Facility Improvements

Happy to join the Township of Conmee to announce that the township is receiving over $147,000 through the NOHFC to make improvements to the community rink and facilities. As former mayor, it’s great to see continued investment in the places that bring people together.

Thank you to Mayor Maxwell and everyone involved in this project. These upgrades will support recreation, strengthen local infrastructure, and ensure families can enjoy this space for years to come!

News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-more-than…/

Ontario Invests over $3 Million to Support Programming at Confederation College and Lakehead University

I was happy to join President Salo and President Siddall to announce over $3 million in provincial funding to strengthen nursing and construction programming in our region.

Ontario is investing $800,320 to expand enrollment in Lakehead University ’s nursing program, allowing up to 80 additional nurses to be trained.

We’re also investing $2,238,925 at Confederation College to train up to 267 more students in construction programming, supporting the skilled workforce our communities depend on.

Thank you to Confederation College for hosting today’s event, and thank you to everyone involved for your continued leadership and dedication.

NR Lakehead University: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-over-800k-to…

NR Confederation College: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-2-2m-to…

Province Investing $120,000 to Support Emergency Services Mental Health Supports

Our government is investing $120,000 to support the Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Conmee Fire, and Superior North EMS through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program.

This means tailored mental health supports for those who protect Thunder Bay – Atikokan and keep our communities safe.
NR: https://www.ontario.ca/…/mental-health-resources-first…

Shuniah Receives over $240,000 in 2 Projects

I’m pleased to share that the Township of Shuniah will receive more than $240,000 in provincial funding for two significant community projects:

– $65,577.10 for a liaison officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program.

– $175,000 from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to upgrade and expand the community’s recreation rink shack with barrier-free washrooms, ramp access, expanded changerooms, concession/service counter, equipment storage and a rink-water reservoir system.

Congratulations to all involved! These investments are great news for enhancing recreation, safety and community connection in Shuniah.

News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-upgrading-macgregor…

Community Spotlight

---

NOSM University 20th Anniversary

I stopped by NOSM University’s 20th anniversary open house.

It was a pleasure to connect with Lance Dyill, Dan Ward, Lori Piccolo, and Warren Philp!

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the event such a success as NOSM marks this important milestone.

Northern Ontario Tourism Summit

It was great to speak at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit with Minister George Pirie as we talked about what our government is doing for Northern Ontario’s Tourism Industry!

NOSMU Board Appointees

Congratulations to Georgina Daniels and Diane Quintas on their appointments to the NOSM University Board of Governors.

Both bring respected leadership and a strong commitment to serving our region, and I want to thank them for stepping forward to support this important work. Their experience will be a real benefit to people across Northern Ontario.

The meeting also saw the confirmation of Susan Soldan as Vice-Chair, alongside John Stenger, incoming Board Chair in January 2026. Congratulations to Susan as she takes on this important role.

New Certified Engineers

Congratulations to our newly certified Engineers!

Your achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a contribution to building stronger, safer, and more innovative communities.

Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony

I want to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Service and community members for hosting the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony. This important event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people, and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for awareness, reflection, and action.

Thank you to everyone involved for keeping these lives and stories in our hearts, and for your commitment to safety, understanding, and justice.

Santa Claus Parade

The annual Santa Claus Parade brought real Christmas cheer to our community today. The floats, music, and festive energy truly set the tone for the season.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and first responders who helped make this possible.

Thunder Bay Canadian Mental Health Association’s 50th Anniversary

I’d like to congratulate the Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay on their 50th anniversary. For half a century, CMHA Thunder Bay has been a steady source of support for individuals and families, offering care, guidance, and hope when it’s needed most.

Your commitment to strengthening mental health services in our community has made a real difference, and I’m grateful for the dedicated team behind this important work. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and thank you for all you continue to do for the people of Thunder Bay.

OACP & OAPSB Zone 1 Meeting

Thank you for having me speak at the annual Ontario Association Chiefs of Police and Ontario Association of Police Service Boards Zone 1 Meeting. It was a pleasure to join you, hear from those presenting, and share a few remarks. I’m grateful for the work you do and for the opportunity to be part of today’s discussions.

Northern Lights

Captured some of the best northern lights displays I have ever seen here in Thunder Bay. With the Christmas season upon us, it is hard not to see these as nature’s own Christmas lights dancing across our winter skies, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that surround us here in Northwestern Ontario.

Jaida Project Quiz Night

I was happy to join Mary Louise and Rob for the Jaida Project Quiz Night fundraiser at the Columbus Centre.

Events like this make a real difference in our community by supporting local youth programs and bringing people together to make a positive impact.

Thank you to everyone involved for their dedication to such an important cause!

Remembrance Day Ceremony Fort William Gardens

Lest we Forget

Kakabeka Legion Luncheon

It was great to join the Kakabeka Legion at their monthly luncheon, where they held a Remembrance Day service. It was an opportunity to honour our veterans, reflect on their sacrifices, and thank those who continue to serve our country today.

Slovak Legion Remembrance Day Luncheon

Thank you to the Slovak Legion for having me at your Remembrance Day luncheon. While I was unfortunately unable to attend the service, I was glad to still have the opportunity to come by and pay my respects.

Program Applications

---

Experience Ontario 2026 Program – NOW OPEN

Our government is pleased to announce the launch of the Experience Ontario 2026 program for festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.

The application period is now open – applications will be accepted until December 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. (EST).

Apply Now: https://www.tpon.gov.on.ca/eo/…

Provincial Initiatives

---

Cracking Down on Dangerous Driving

No family should ever face the heartbreak of losing a loved one or the trauma of a life-changing injury because of a dangerous and careless driver.

That is why our government is introducing tough new legislation that will help keep high-risk drivers off the road.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/province-cracking-down-on…

New Energy Savings Expansion

We’re helping families in Thunder Bay – Atikokan lower their energy bills with new rebates of up to $200 on energy-efficient appliances, including fridges, freezers and laundry machines.

Part of our government’s $10.9 billion Energy Savings Plan — the largest in Canadian history — helping families save money and power.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-protecting-ratepayers…

Supporting Ontario Manufacturers

We welcomed $120M in new investments, supported by $16.5M in funding through our government’s Ontario Together Trade Fund.

These investments will ensure tariff-impacted companies can adapt and grow, while protecting and creating 1,500 jobs.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-165-million…

Investing $180 Million to Boost Nursing in Long-Term Care

Our government is investing $180 million to attract and retain nearly 8,000 nurses in long-term care, ensuring residents receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-180-million…

Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Project

Our government is building the largest battery energy storage project in Canadian history.

Skyview 2 is an important part of our plan to protect Ontario by delivering reliable, clean and affordable energy for families and businesses, while creating good-paying local jobs and supporting meaningful Indigenous partnerships.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-breaks-ground-on…