MPP Holland’s October 2025 Newsletter

November 3, 2025

Featured News

Goranson’s 70th Anniversary

Happy 70th Anniversary to Leonard and Laila Goranson of Atikokan!

Congratulations on reaching such a remarkable milestone! Wishing you both continued health, happiness, and many more wonderful years together!

Announcements & Investments in the Riding

Grid Innovation Fund: Confederation College

I am pleased to share that the Ontario government is investing $3.2 million through the Grid Innovation Fund to pilot a new large-scale electric heat pump and thermal storage facility at Confederation College .

This project will strengthen Thunder Bay’s electricity grid, support innovation, and help build a cleaner, more reliable energy future for Northwestern Ontario. Thank you to all our partners who made this possible.

News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-leveraging-new…/

NOHFC: Atikokan Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145

I’m proud to share that the Ontario government is investing $90,228 through the NOHFC to renovate the Atikokan Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145 .

This funding will support: new flooring, electrical panel upgrades, installation of automatic doors, bathroom renovations

The Legion is a true cornerstone of Atikokan, and these improvements will make it more accessible, safe, and welcoming for veterans, their families, and the entire community. Thank you to all the community leaders, veterans, volunteers, and staff at the Legion for your dedication. Together, we’re ensuring this space continues to serve current and future generations.

NR: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-over-90000-to-renovate-royal-canadian-legion-in-atikokan

Thunder Bay Police Service’s Mobile Crisis Response Team

Proud to share that the province is investing $1.3 million in the Thunder Bay Police Service!

This funding will support the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, helping police and mental health professionals provide the right care on the scene. Additionally, it will improve forensic technology to help tackle gun and gang crime.

Thank you to our dedicated police officers, mental health professionals, and all community organizations for your outstanding teamwork. Your commitment helps make Thunder Bay a safer and stronger community for everyone.

NOHFC: Slovak Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129

I was pleased to be at the Slovak Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129 to announce a provincial investment of $323,900 through the NOHFC to replace their roof.

This vital infrastructure upgrade will help ensure the Legion continues to serve as a welcoming gathering place for our community.

Thank you to everyone at the Legion for your continued dedication and service to Thunder Bay.

NR: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-323900-to-replace-roof-of-royal-canadian-legion-in-thunder-bay

Superior North EMS

I had the pleasure of joining Chief Shane Muir and Mayor Ken Boshcoff at Superior North EMS to announce an increase of just under $1 million to their operating budget, bringing the total to $19,800,237.

This vital investment will help enhance response times, expand service capacity, and improve community safety across our region. It also supports the incredible men and women who answer the call every day in challenging and unpredictable conditions to deliver emergency medical care when it’s needed most.

To all of the paramedics across the region, thank you for your courage, compassion, and commitment to the people you serve. Your efforts make a lasting difference in the lives of those in our communities.

News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-connecting-more-people…

Township of Schreiber and Dorion Receive OTF Funding

Our provincial government is investing $41,000 though the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support projects in the Township of Schreiber and Township of Dorion. This investment will help maintain and modernize important community spaces that bring people together.

The Township of Schreiber is receiving $18,300 to replace an aging baseball field scoreboard and PA system, enhancing a much-loved community space for residents of all ages. The Township of Dorion will receive $22,700 to create a new barrier-free ramp and deck at the Dorion Museum, preserving local history while improving accessibility.

News Release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-supporting-two…

Community Spotlight

Atikokan Sign Ribbon Cutting

I was happy to be in Atikokan to take part in the ribbon-cutting for the new Atikokan Sign Project. This new landmark reflects the heart and pride of Atikokan and stands as a symbol of the community’s warm welcome and strong spirit.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this project to life!

Lakehead University Research and Innovation 60th Anniversary

Congratulations to Lakehead University Research & Innovation on their 60th anniversary!

It was a pleasure to join in celebrating this incredible milestone and to take part in the tree planting ceremony marking the start of the Canadian Institute of Forestry General Meeting.

This event was a wonderful reminder of the vital role that research, innovation, and collaboration play in strengthening Ontario’s forestry sector and building a sustainable future for our communities.

Thank you for having me join this celebration and for your continued dedication to advancing knowledge and growth in Northwestern Ontario.

Meetings in Atikokan

I had a great meeting in Atikokan with Mayor Ferguson, Jason Young, and Garry McKinnon.

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me to discuss the many opportunities taking shape in Atikokan. I look forward to continuing our discussions as we work together to support growth and development in the community.

Lakehead University Tour with Minister Nolan Quinn

Great to be at Lakehead University with Minister Nolan Quinn to see the progress on the construction of the new School of Veterinary Medicine and to meet some enthusiastic biology students!

Thank you to everyone at Lakehead for the warm welcome and for your dedication to advancing education and research in Northern Ontario.

OSAP Tour

I joined Minister Nolan Quinn to meet the local team that handles OSAP for all of Ontario!

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us about the important work you do with students across Ontario.

Justin Hardy

Congratulations to Justin Hardy on taking the next step in his career as a journalist in Iqaluit, Nunavut! It’s been a pleasure working with you over the years. Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter!

Big City Mayors Conference

Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Big City Mayor’s Conference today.

It was a pleasure to join you, and I wish everyone a productive and successful conference!

King Charles III Coronation Medals

I had the privilege of awarding two King Charles III Coronation Medals to Raphaël Desautéls and Syed Ali in recognition of their exceptional service, commitment, and kindness to our community.

These courageous paramedics were recently honoured with the medal of bravery by the Lieutenant Governor in Toronto for rescuing a man and his dog from a burning home. Congratulations again, I am incredibly proud to have these two individuals serving our region.

Find the news release here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/two-local-paramedics-honoured...

Atikokan Youth Initiatives

I had the pleasure of stopping by Atikokan Youth Initiatives.

I was very impressed by the incredible work this organization is doing to support local youth. Open Monday to Friday, the centre provides a safe and welcoming environment where young people can gather after school, connect with peers, and participate in a variety of programs that encourage leadership, creativity, and personal growth.

It was wonderful to see firsthand how the team at Atikokan Youth Initiatives is helping shape a positive future for our youth by providing opportunities to learn, share experiences, and build confidence.

Thank you to Rebecca and Pauline for welcoming me to the centre and sharing more about the important work you do. The support you provide to our young people is truly invaluable, and I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Ministry News

Daiken North America

Big news from Huntsville!

Ontario is investing $10 million to support innovation in our forest sector! This funding will help Daiken North America upgrade their facility and bring a ground breaking wood panel product to market — all made right here in Ontario.

This means: 128 local jobs supported, 10 new jobs created, More use for underused wood, and a stronger, more competitive forest industry

Proud to stand with industry leaders like Daiken as we protecting Ontario by growing our forestry sector, create new opportunities, and show the world what Ontario-made innovation looks like.

Domtar’s Thunder Bay Sawmill Tour

While Minister Mike Harris was in Thunder Bay, we had the opportunity to tour the Domtar – Thunder Bay Sawmill!

Thank you to the Domtar team for taking the time to show us your impressive operations.

Ontario at FPAC National Conference 2025

Great to provide remarks on behalf of Ontario at FPAC National Conference 2025. Amidst an unsettling trade environment, Ontario is reducing regulatory burden and supporting new innovation to encourage market demand and diversification, ultimately protecting forestry’s vital contribution to communities across Ontario.

Ādisōke

Thank you City of Ottawa and PCL for a wonderful tour of Ādisōke – a new library and archive facility in central Ottawa. This project is an excellent example of mass timber construction and a showcase for the potential of Advance Wood Construction to build and protect Ontario.

Provincial Initiatives

Supporting Small and Rural Communities

Ontario is investing $10,933,855 in 2026 to renew & rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the communities of Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Conmee, Gillies, Neebing, O’Connor, and Oliver Paipoonge.

With a combined $6.8B in OCIF + MHIP water systems funding, our historic investments are helping deliver better services & more homes across the province.

Learn more: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-building-critical…

Investing in Agri-Food Research Infrastructure

Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector. Through our new $41 million investment, we are ensuring farmers and agri-business owners have access to cutting-edge research and innovation to stay resilient and competitive.

Connecting Patients to Live-Saving Cancer Drugs Faster

When facing a cancer diagnosis, fast access to treatment saves lives.

By launching the FAST pilot, our government is the first in Canada to fast-track access to breakthrough cancer drugs, connecting patients to life-saving treatment almost a year sooner.

Improving Access to Fertility Treatments

Our government is helping more people start and grow their families.

As part of our $250M investment to expand access to IVF, we are supporting 25 new and expanded clinics, including six new IVF clinics, to shorten waitlists for fertility services.

Investing More than $60 Million to Train Apprentices

Ontario’s future depends on a strong, skilled, and resilient workforce.

That’s why our government is expanding access to in-class apprenticeship training through a $64.2 million investment over three years. This funding will help more apprentices gain the hands-on experience and technical skills needed for rewarding careers in the skilled trades — while supporting the province’s growing infrastructure needs

Investing $1.92 Billion to Boost Long-Term care Staffing

Our government is making historic investments to improve long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health care workers.

Learn more: https://na3.hubs.ly/y08Ypy0

One Project One Process

Ontario is unlocking the full potential of the province’s mining sector.

Minister Stephen Lecce announced Ontario’s One Project, One Process is now law — slashing mine approval times by up to 50% and getting mines built faster.

With rising economic uncertainty, Premier Ford is doubling down to protect Canadian resources, technology, and workers.

Building a More Competitive Economy

Our government is protecting what matters most: our economy, our jobs and our future.

The Building a More Competitive Economy Act will help ensure Ontario remains resilient, responsive and the most competitive place to do business in a rapidly changing global economy.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/province-introducing…

Making Ontario into an Energy Superpower

Premier Ford announced we’re investing $1 billion to build North America’s first small modular reactors at Darlington, securing Ontario’s clean energy future and creating thousands of good-paying jobs.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-1-billion…

Keeping Children Active and Healthy

Our government is protecting hard-working families and creating opportunities for kids to stay active and healthy by investing $43.9 million in Ontario’s After School Program over the next three years.

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

Fighting Delays, Building Faster

Ontario’s housing system needs strong solutions—not more delays.

That’s why our government introduced the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 to: Reduce backlogs at the Landlord & Tenant Board, Stop bad actors, Deliver faster decisions

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/province-introducing…

Expanding access to Care, Closer to Home

Through OnFES2025, our government is expanding access to convenient home care services for thousands more patients across Ontario

Learn more about our plan, which has already reduced the waitlist for personal support services by 94%.

Cutting costs for First-Time Home Buyers

In the face of global economic uncertainty, it’s never been more important to make life more affordable.

That’s why we’re rebating the HST for first-time home buyers on new homes valued up to $1 million — saving families up to $80,000!