MPP Holland’s September 2025 Newsletter

October 21, 2025

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Featured News

Meet our new Team Member

I’m happy to share that the Thunder Bay–Atikokan Constituency Office has welcomed another new addition!

Harold Wilson has joined our team as my Director of Stakeholder Relations. While he’s been with us for the past two months, I’m pleased to officially introduce him and recognize the important work he’s doing in this role.

Announcements & Investments in the Riding

Supporting our Forestry Sector

Minister Harris and I proudly announced that our government is investing an additional $30 million to support the people, businesses, and communities who rely on Ontario’s forest sector.

As someone who has spent my life in Northern Ontario, I know firsthand how vital forestry is—not just as an industry, but as a way of life for so many families across our province. This new funding will help build and maintain critical forestry access roads, and provide immediate support to Ontario sawmills so they can find new markets for their woodchips and keep operations moving.

Now more than ever, we need the federal government to step up—not with words, but with action—and start matching the significant investments Ontario has made in protecting this essential sector.

North Shore Steelhead Association

I was pleased to join the North Shore Steelhead Association to announce over $175,000 in NOHFC funding to modify the existing concrete fish ladder and install two new fish counting devices in support of developing a new urban fishery in Thunder Bay.

This investment will create new opportunities for tourism, education, and outdoor recreation in our community.

LiUNA Local 607

I’m proud to announce, on behalf of Minister David Piccini , a $920,825 investment through the Skills Development Fund to support 300 participants in gaining hands-on training in the construction trades.

This initiative, delivered in partnership with Liuna Local 607 , is focused on empowering youth, women, and Indigenous community members to build rewarding, well-paid careers here in Thunder Bay and in their home communities.

Thank you to LiUNA Local 607 for showcasing the impressive work being done by their current all-women class.

NOHFC Cultural Centre’s

I had the pleasure of joining the Coopérative Centre francophone de Thunder Bay Inc, Vedic Cultural Center , and the Thunder Bay Museum Society to announce over $1.2 million in NOHFC funding.

These investments will strengthen cultural, historical, and community spaces in Thunder Bay, creating welcoming places while supporting tourism and economic growth in our region.

Superior Foods | Food Safety and Growth Initiative:

I’m pleased to announce, that Superior Foods has received $75,000 from the Province of Ontario to support improvements to their operations and enable business expansion.

As one of the few local meat processing facilities in the region, this investment will help reduce bottlenecks in meat processing, ensuring local producers and consumers have better access to high-quality, locally processed products.

Community Spotlight

45th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope

September 1st marked the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope.

Terry’s story has always been a source of inspiration for me. He brought hope to Canada, and his journey resonates with all of us. His run ended just outside Thunder Bay. On September 1st, Judith and Fred Fox, Terry’s sister and brother, lead a very special hike in a very special place: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

If you’re not familiar with Terry’s incredible story, take a moment to read it here: https://terryfox.org/terrys-story

Science North and Dynamic Earth Summer Camps

I had a great time visiting the youth at Science North & Dynamic Earth as they demonstrated their impressive bottle rocket projects!

Thank you to CEO Ashley Larose for the invitation. It’s inspiring to see young people exploring science in such a fun and hands-on way, sparking curiosity and innovation for the next generation.

93rd Annual Slate River Plowing Match

It was wonderful to be out in the community, celebrating our agricultural roots and recognizing the hardworking families who keep Northwestern Ontario strong during the Rural Heritage Agricultural Societies tradition of the 93rd Annual Slate River Plowing Match!.

Strides for Life Run

I was very happy to be a part of such a great turnout on Sunday September 7th for the Strides for Life Run and Walk!

With more than 400 participants this year, the event continues to play an important role in raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

A big thank-you to everyone who came out to show their support for this important cause.

Central Canada Expo

The Central Canada Resource Expo was a great success!

With over 300 exhibitors, there were plenty of booths to explore.

It was a great couple of days, connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and workers who are driving growth and opportunity across Northern Ontario. We were also honoured to welcome my friend Minister Stephen Lecce.

Thank you to the organizers, exhibitors, and everyone who helped make this event such a success.

Thunder Bay Executive Meeting

Great to welcome my friend and colleague Minister Stephen Lecce back to Thunder Bay!

I had the pleasure to join him in a meeting with the ambassadors to talk about energy and mining opportunities within the region.

A sincere thank you for everyone in attendance and the warm welcomes!

Fire Con 2025

Fire Con 2025 was another fantastic event that I had the honour of attending, and I could not be more proud of the dedication and professionalism I saw on display.

This Conference, Tradeshow, and Firefighter Training event highlighted the incredible skills our firefighters are building. Whether it’s tackling house fires, auto extrication, propane fire response, hazardous materials, incident command, or exterior attack. The wide range of programs offered, from live fire training units to mental health leadership, shows just how comprehensive and vital this training is for keeping themselves and our families safe.

It was also wonderful to reconnect with many familiar faces from my time as a volunteer firefighter and to receive such warm welcomes.

Thank you to everyone at FireCon for having me and for showcasing the wide array of training programs that equip our first responders to save lives.

Chippewa Carousel

It was great to be at the Chippewa Carousel groundbreaking!

This important project will not only restore and revitalize the carousel, but also ensure its protection so that future generations of families and youth can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

Thank you to everyone involved for inviting me to share in this historic moment for our community.

Youth Wellness Hub

I was very proud and honoured to be at the opening of the Youth Wellness Hub Thunder Bay!

This project was one of three key priorities identified during the roundtables we held with local leaders in mental health and addictions. To see this come together in just two years since those first discussions is truly remarkable.

The Hub will serve as a safe and welcoming space dedicated to youth, supported by many community partners who are working together to provide essential services to young people in need.

A heartfelt thank you to the youth, local organizations, and everyone whose hard work and vision made this possible. Together, we are making our region a leader in providing the supports our youth deserve.

HMCS Margaret Brooke

Thank you to the HMCS Margaret Brooke crew and Commander Share for their warm welcome and for having me on board to tour this state-of-the-art vessel. Seeing the ship firsthand underscored the professionalism, dedication, and service of the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy.

I would also like to extend my thanks to HMCS Griffon and Lieutenant Commander Farn for the kind invitation and for presenting me with the Griffon Commander’s Coin.

With more than 1,000 visitors, it was wonderful to see so many members of our community come out to experience one of Canada’s newest warships.

Coffee with Marcus Powlowski

I had the pleasure of grabbing a coffee with MP Marcus Powlowski at Gusto (Dolce Coffee House) . I truly value the opportunity to sit down with our federal representatives and connect on the opportunities that exist here in the region.

Centennial Conservatory

Thank you to Guy Walter for giving myself and MP Marcus Powlowski a tour of the Centennial Conservatory. It was great to learn more about the opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and to see the exciting plans for when the renovations are complete.

The conservatory is a wonderful space to visit year-round, and I’m pleased to see it being so well cared for and invested in for the future.

Wisk Air

Great news for Northern Ontario aviation!

Thunder Bay is now home to a local Garmin GPS service hub, meaning aircraft no longer need to travel out of the region for support. This saves operators time and costs while keeping business in the North.

Wisk Air has also become an authorized Garmin Avionics dealer, backed by NOHFC support to build local talent and create full-time jobs in avionics. This investment strengthens our aerospace sector, supports local companies, and ensures Northern communities have access to the services they rely on.

Proud to see these important steps forward for our region! Thank you to the Wisk Air Helicopters team for having me speak at this great announcement for our region

Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services – Thunder Bay

I had the pleasure of joining Minister Mike Harris to tour our local Fire Management Headquarters!

We had the opportunity to meet some of the fire rangers who were on standby, ready to respond at a moment’s notice, as well as the dedicated staff who maintain the helicopters and oversee the day-to-day logistics that make their work possible.

These teams play a critical role in protecting our communities and forests, and it was a privilege to see firsthand the level of commitment and professionalism that goes into their operations. Thank you to everyone at the Fire Management Headquarters for the warm welcome and for the important work you do every day to keep our region safe.

D&R Sporting Goods Store

I had the pleasure of joining Minister Mike Harris at D&R Sporting Goods , where we had a great conversation with John Kaplanis. Thank you, John, for taking the time to meet with us and share your insights!

Ministry News

International Plowing Match

It was a beautiful day at the International Plowing Match along side many of my colleagues! While we were there I had the opportunity to meet with Ontario Wood as as well as the Wildland fire rangers! I hope everyone enjoys the opportunity to go and visit these booths at the IPM!

The International Plowing Match is a proud tradition that recognizes the dedication, innovation, and hard work of the men and women who keep food on our tables and drive our province’s economy.

A big thank you to Ministers Trevor Jones and Lisa Thompson for helping making it a success!

Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program

Proud to share that our government announced over $3.5M in new investments to support Ontario’s world-class forestry sector!

Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, we’re helping businesses like DSI Industries and Diamond CNC boost production, create jobs, and bring more made-in-Ontario wood products to the world.

Strong forests = strong communities. https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-35-million…

College of Carpenters and Allied Trades

I had the opportunity to attend a tour of the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades where I was able to learn more about the programs they offer and how crucial they are to the forestry sector!

Thank you for taking the time to join me on this tour and allowing me to learn more about these programs and courses that are advancing our industry!

Interfor’s (EACOM) I-Joist Facility

In Sault Ste. Marie, I was excited to announce a big $5 million dollar investment in Interfor’s (EACOM) I-Joist facility. This move will boost productivity, efficiency, and keep forestry strong in Northern Ontario.

MNR’s Forest Industry Division in Sault St. Marie

It was a real pleasure to stop by the MNR’s Forest Industry Division in Sault St. Marie. A world-class team that supports Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy, keeping this critical industry strong in our northern and rural communities.

Wawa

It was great to catch up with Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon and MPP Rosenberg to discuss forest sector and economic development opportunities. Looking forward to working with the community on the future

White River Forest Products

It was great to join Mayor Hart and the Economic Development Corporation to tour this anchor mill in the heart of Ontario. They produce lumber that builds communities across all of North America.

Hornepayne Lumber

Thank you Hornepayne Lumber and Mayor Fort for a great tour of the Mill and community. Our government understands that Forestry is a key driver for rural and northern communities.

Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc and Char Tech

I had the pleasure of meeting with Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc and Char Tech as they broke ground on their new project! It was great to take a tour and see some of the equipment that is pushing Ontario to innovative new heights and keeping us at the forefront of forestry technology!

Provincial Initiatives

Strengthening Ontario’s Marine Sector

As our NATO allies meet this week, Ontario is stepping up to build the ships that will protect Ontario and Canada.

We’re investing $215M in the marine sector, including $15M to launch the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program to help provincial shipbuilders meet Canada’s defense needs.

More: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-investing-215-million…