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MPP Holland’s | September 2024 Newsletter

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    Monthly Funding Overview


    Featured News


    100 Minister Visits!

    I’m incredibly honoured to share that Minister Jill Dunlop’s visit marks the 100th minister visit to Thunder Bay – Atikokan since becoming your MPP in 2022!

    Having ministers in our riding allows me to highlight the unique needs of our communities in person, fostering a deeper understanding than any explanation I could provide at Queen’s Park. This remarkable achievement translates into greater support for our region, with over $550 million in investments secured through the help of my efforts since being elected. I remain committed to collaborating with all sectors to enhance investments and growth throughout the district.

    A heartfelt thank you to every minister who has joined me over the past two years. Your support has been instrumental in driving the positive changes we’re witnessing in Northwestern Ontario.

    Announcements & Investments in the Riding


    5 Year Re-Contracting of Atikokan Generating Facility

    Excited to join Minister Stephen Lecce and Minister Greg Rickford to announce the 5 year re-contracting of the Atikokan Generating Facility!

    This agreement secures 400 well-paying jobs, strengthens our local economy, and continues Ontario’s leadership in clean, reliable energy.

    The largest biomass-fueled plant in North America will keep powering our province while supporting local forestry operations and utilizing sustainable resources.

    Also, a shoutout to Resolute Forest Products for hosting this great announcement!

    For more details see the news release: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-protecting-energy…/

    Over $2.9 Million Investment in 15 Safe Sobering Beds

    I had the honour of joining Minister Michael Tibollo at St. Joseph’s Care Group to announce that our government is investing over $2.9 million into 15 safe sobering beds!

    This investment is the third initiative resulting from last year’s Mental Health and Addictions roundtable, where local health leaders came together to identify key issues in our community and ways to enhance care in the district. The other two initiatives announced earlier this year, stemming from these discussions, are the STARS Program and the Youth Wellness Hub.

    These investments show that our government is listening and working closely with local community leaders to provide Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario with the support we need.

    Thank you to St. Joseph’s Care Group for hosting yesterdays announcement and to everyone who attended and contributed there efforts towards making all these initiatives a reality.

    See more details here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-connecting-people-in…/

    Investing in Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program

    Pleased to announce $88,288 in funding for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program, part of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. This important investment will help better support children’s development and family well-being, ensuring that families in our community have access to the resources they need.

    See more details: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-supporting-healthy…/

    Over $1.8 Million to 25 Agencies across Thunder Bay

    I’m happy to announce that the provincial government is providing $1,890,339 to 25 agencies across the Thunder Bay district.

    This investment will strengthen community agencies and help them continue delivering vital front-line services to individuals and families.

    See more details here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-supporting-community…/

    Over $1.3 Million to 9 Agencies across Thunder Bay

    I’m pleased to announce, that nine organizations across the district have received a combined total of $1,322,100 in additional funding!

    This support will go towards upgrading and repairing their facilities, so they can continue to provide essential services to our communities in a safe and modernized environment. These organizations play a vital role in supporting the well-being of children, families, and vulnerable individuals throughout the district, and this investment will help them improve accessibility, safety, and overall service quality.

    See more details here: https://kevinhollandmpp.ca/ontario-investing-in-upgrades…/

    NOHFC Investments in Motion

    I had a great opportunity to join Minister Greg Rickford in meeting the latest NOHFC interns at Wisk Air Helicopters and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre! It was inspiring to see these talented individuals making a difference in our community.

    We also visited the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre to connect with Axiom Modeling & Design Inc, which recently received NOHFC funding. It’s exciting to witness growth and innovation happening right here in Northwestern Ontario!

    Community Spotlight


    Annual Hymers Fair

    I had a wonderful time visiting the annual Hymers Fair, enjoying the festivities, and having meaningful conversations with members of our incredible community. It’s always a pleasure to connect with you all!

    Minister Kerzner Thunder Bay Tour

    I had the opportunity to join Minister Michael Kerzner in meeting with the dedicated members of the correctional team at the Thunder Bay Jail, the Firefighters of Station 3, the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, and the Thunder Bay Police Service.

    We also toured the construction site of the new Thunder Bay Correctional Facility, which will bring modernized infrastructure and improved support for our correctional officers.

    Thank you to all our first responders and correctional staff for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts do not go unnoticed!

    Minister Dunlop Visit of Westgate Highschool

    A big thank you to the students, teachers, and staff at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute for warmly welcoming Minister Jill Dunlop and myself during our visit.

    It was a great experience to drop by some classrooms, engage with students, and see the innovative projects they’re working on firsthand. I’d also like to highlight that this visit was especially meaningful for Minister Dunlop, as Westgate is the first high school she has had the pleasure of visiting since being appointed Minister of Education!

    Cen Can 2024

    I stopped by Cen Can to connect with all the great organizations representing the forestry and mining sectors. It was a great opportunity to connect and explore how we can continue to support these vital industries in the district.

    It’s always inspiring to see the innovation and hard work driving our local industries forward. Thank you to everyone who took part in this great event for making Cen Can such a success!

    Firecon 2024

    I attended FireCon 2024 in ThunderBay! It was great talking with firefighters from across Ontario and reconnecting with colleagues from my time as a volunteer firefighter.

    Mental Health and Addictions Roundtable

    Shortly after the Safe Sobering Beds announcement, we held our third Mental Health and Addictions roundtable with Minister Michael Tibollo. This gathering was an invaluable opportunity to receive updates on the STARS Program and the Youth Wellness Hub, both critical initiatives for our community.

    During our discussions, we explored next steps to make sure these programs are effectively implemented and continue to meet the needs of our residents. We also addressed other ongoing challenges in the district, emphasizing our commitment to tackling mental health and addiction issues head-on.

    Together, with our local community leaders and partners we are building a stronger support system for everyone in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario. Thank you to all the participants for your dedication and input as we work toward meaningful change and to St. Joseph’s Care Group for being such a incredible host!

    Resource Roundtable

    I had to pleasure of joining Minister George Pirie in Thunder Bay to take part in a resource roundtable. It was invaluable to hear feedback from industry leaders on how the provincial government can enhance support to our sectors.

    Slate River Plowing Match

    It was wonderful to see the community come together and celebrate this long-standing tradition. A big thank you to all the organizers, participants, and volunteers for putting on such a fantastic event!

    Opening of St. Hilary Catholic School’s New Addition

    I was happy to join the staff and students at St. Hilary Catholic School for the grand opening of their new addition and renovations!

    It’s incredible to see how quickly the construction came together, as I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking ceremony just last year.

    Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable milestone for the school and the community.

    Take it in Strides Run

    It was great to see the fantastic turnout for Take it in Strides the other weekend! Thank you to everyone who came out to walk, jog, or run in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Your participation helps bring attention to such an important cause, and together, we are making a difference.

    Awareness, Showcase and Appreciation


    Marc Staal Retirement

    Congratulations to Marc Staal on his retirement after an outstanding 17-season NHL career! Wishing you success in your new role as Player Development Assistant for the New York Rangers.

    Your contributions to hockey have been inspiring, and I’m sure you’ll continue to make a positive impact in this next chapter.

    Stanley Cup Visit to Thunder Bay

    I was honoured to be invited to a viewing of the Stanley Cup, which Thunder Bay’s own Jamie Kompon, Assistant Coach for the Florida Panthers, brought back to our community. It was an incredible experience to witness such an iconic trophy up close and to celebrate the achievements of our local talent.

    Additionally, I had the pleasure talking with Scotties Champion Heather Huston and seeing the Scotties Tournament of Hearts trophy during its stop at the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of the incredible sports culture we have here in Thunder Bay and the talented individuals who represent us on both national and international stages.

    Thank you once again for including me in this special moment. Congratulations to Jamie Kompon on his outstanding third Stanley Cup win! Your hard work and dedication inspire us all, and I wish you the best of luck in the new season ahead.

    Vince Lombardi Trophy

    I had the honour of viewing the Vince Lombardi Trophy! It was amazing to see such an iconic trophy in person and appreciate the history and achievement it represents. Thank you to the NFL and Labatt Breweries of Canada for this incredible opportunity.

    Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

    This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the employees, past and present, who have made a significant impact on our community. For a century, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper has played a crucial role in driving economic growth and providing local jobs.

    Congratulations on reaching this incredible achievement! I look forward to continued collaboration in my role as MPP and Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products to ensure many more successful years ahead.

    NWO Innovation Centre 25th Anniversary

    I would like to extend my congratulations to the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre on their 25th anniversary!

    Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your celebrations. Here’s to many more years of fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs!

    Fire Fighter Fall Social and Recognition Event

    It was an honour to be a part of this special evening, recognizing the dedication and hard work of our local firefighters who go above and beyond to keep our community safe. Thank you to all the firefighters and their families for your unwavering commitment.

    Kakabeka Legion’s 75th Anniversary

    A big congratulations to the Kakabeka Legion on their 75th anniversary!

    I was happy to celebrate this incredible milestone with such a dedicated group.

    The Legion has played a vital role in supporting and strengthening our community over the years. Here’s to many more years of service.

    US Consul General Visit

    I had the honour of meeting with US Consul General Baxter Hunt during his visit to Thunder Bay. It was great to connect and discuss shared priorities such as sustainable economic growth, regional connectivity, and fostering stronger cross-border partnerships. I hope you enjoyed your visit to beautiful Northwestern Ontario!

    Kam River Fighting Walleye Opener

    The Kam River Fighting Walleye won their home opener against the Dryden Ice Dogs with a 5-2 victory the other weekend! A fantastic start to the season – keep it up guys!

    Ministry Events


    Millson Forestry Tour

    I joined Jenny Millson at Millson Forestry in Timmins!

    It was fascinating to see the operations and learn what goes into producing high-quality tree seedlings. The dedication and expertise that go into sustainable forestry are truly impressive. Thank you Jenny for the great tour!

    Timmins Forestry Roundtable

    I had the pleasure of joining Minister George Pirie in Timmins to meet with representatives of Ontario’s Northeastern forestry industry.

    We had productive discussions on opportunities and challenges facing the forestry sector, focusing on how our government can collaborate with industry leaders to drive improvements and growth in the industry.

    Timmins Forestry Roundtable

    I had a great meeting with the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA)!

    I’m excited to continue our collaboration in my role as Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products to further grow and strengthen Ontario’s forest sector.

    By working alongside leaders in the forestry sector, we’ll drive economic growth, create jobs, and ensure the sustainability of Ontario’s forests for generations to come.