MPP Holland’s | October 2024 Newsletter
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Featured News
Question in the House
I was asked how my Ministry is addressing the rising operational costs in the forestry sector caused by the unfair Liberal carbon tax, which is making it increasingly difficult for businesses to stay competitive.
I will continue working hard to make Ontario’s forestry sector a world leader in forestry and forestry products.
Monthly Funding Overview
Announcements & Investments in the Riding
Blake Hall 100th Anniversary and over $600,000 Investment
Congratulations to Blake Hall on their 100th anniversary! It was an honour to be invited to celebrate this great milestone. I’d also like to congratulate the hall on receiving a $115,300 OTF grant and a $504,000 NOHFC grant, which will be used towards renovations to ensure Blake Hall continues to be the heart of Neebing’s community.
Ontario Transit Investment Fund Program
I accompanied Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria to the Thunder Bay Transit garage for the announcement of the new Ontario Transit Investment Fund Program.
This initiative will provide $5 million in annual funding to support the startup and growth of transit services across the province.
These services will create new opportunities for people with limited transit options to access essential services, visit family, and stay connected with larger urban centers.
Apply and learn more here: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-in…
Increase in Base Funding to Superior North EMS
I had the great honour of announcing a $2,250,000 increase in base funding for Superior North EMS.
This 13% increase will help address rising costs, ensuring they can continue providing high-quality emergency care to our community.
A big thank you to Chief Shane Muir for hosting today’s announcement and for his ongoing support and collaboration in enhancing care across the Thunder Bay District.
See more details here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-connecting-people-to…/
Investments to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes
I am pleased to announce that the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and Lakehead University Research & Innovation has received a combined investment of $237,000 that will go towards restoring, protecting, and improving the water quality of our great lakes.
Learn more here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-funding-projects-in…/
Community Spotlight
2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo
I joined Premier Doug Ford and my colleagues in Lindsay for the 2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo!
It was great to see the innovation, dedication, and hard work that continue to drive Ontario’s agriculture sector forward. From advancements in farming technology to the dedication of our farmers, Ontario’s rural communities continue to play a crucial role in the province’s success.
Resolute Forestry Operations Tour
I had the great opportunity to join Tom Ratz, Jim Stewart, and Peter Kibzey from Resolute Forest Products, for a tour of their operations off of Spruce River Road.
Seeing these field operations firsthand and meeting the boots on the ground is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities our forestry sector faces. I look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen and improve this vital industry.
McKenzie Transmission Station Tour
I had the pleasure of touring the Atikokan McKenzie Transmission Station.
It was great to meet the local staff and witness firsthand the impressive progress being made at the site.
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to host me and showcase the work being done!
BioPower Tour
I had a great time catching up with Lonny at BioPower to discuss the critical role that biomass will play in Ontario’s future energy needs.
Thank you again to Minister Stephen Lecce for highlighting the importance of a diversified energy supply. See what he had to say below:
https://news.ontario.ca/…/province-launches-largest…
Wildland Firefighters Booth
I had the opportunity to meet with some of our dedicated Ontario Wildland Firefighters during the International Plowing Match.
Thank you for your hard work and commitment to keeping our communities safe and our forests thriving!
Awareness, Showcase and Appreciation
Linda Racicot Retirement
I would like to take a moment to congratulate Linda Racicot, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer at the Township of O’Connor, on her retirement!
Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the community. Wishing you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!
Meeting with the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
It was a pleasure meeting with Pam Delgaty, Crystal Kaukinen, and Rebecca Krawczuk from the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic this week. I truly appreciate you taking the time to join me at my office, and I look forward to continuing our discussions in the future.
Small Business Week!
This week let’s support the many small businesses across Ontario and Shop Local.
Our government is ensuring small businesses have the resources and supports they need to succeed.
USW District 6 Meeting
I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from USW District 6 to discuss the challenges currently facing the AV Terrace Bay Mill.
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me about this critical issue. The Ministry of Forestry and Forest Products remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders and is actively exploring solutions to support continued operations at the mill.
Queens Park Highlights
University of Toronto’s Wood Tower Tour
I had the great opportunity to join Premier Doug Ford, Ministers Graydon Smith and Nolan Quinn, and the Ontario Forest Industries Association at the University of Toronto’s Academic Wood Tower.
This innovative building, located on the St. George campus, will be Canada’s tallest academic timber structure—a remarkable achievement in sustainable architecture!
Ontario Medical Association Advocacy Day
Thank you to Kimberley Moran and the Ontario Medical Association for visiting us at Queen’s Park today.
Ontario continues to lead the nation, with over 90% of people having access to a regular health care provider.
We look forward to continued discussions on how we can further improve the quality and accessibility of care for all Ontarians.
Alzheimer Society of Ontario Reception
I had the privilege of attending the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s reception at Queens Park.
Thank you to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario for all the vital work you do. Your commitment brings hope to countless families, providing essential support and resources for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
General News
Frustrated by potholes in your community?
Our government is consulting with municipal partners, and if this bill passes, we will establish a Pothole Fund to help smaller communities improve road conditions more quickly.
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005176/ontario-fighting-gridlock-and-making-life-easier-for-drivers
Ontario continues to make investments to strengthen our wildland firefighting efforts
- $64M partnership with the federal government for wildland fire preparedness
- $5M to attract and retain firefighting staff
These investments will help keep communities safe.
Learn more here: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-increasing-wildland…
Cutting the cost to build homes in Thunder Bay – Atikokan.
Our government is taking a long-term approach to making housing more affordable and attracting job-creating investments to Ontario by reducing the costs of connecting to the grid. Minister Stephen Lecce and Sam Oosterhoff have unveiled Ontario’s plan to address these challenges head-on.
If passed, this initiative will help deliver attainable homes and affordable energy to families, young people, and everyone aspiring to homeownership across the province.
News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-reducing-costs-for…
We’re training more family doctors in Ontario than ever before
If passed, our government will:
- cover tuition for undergrad med school students
- require med schools to allocate 95% of undergrad med school seats to Ontarians
Learn how we are supporting our future doctors: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-expanding-learn-and…