September 2022 Monthly Review
Funding Overview
Month Overview
Annual Overview
Investments in the Riding
Province Building New Addition in Atikokan
On behalf of Kinga, Surma, Minister if Infrastructure, Im excited to announce that Northern Lakes K-12 School will be welcoming Grade 7-12 students for the 2022-2023 school year.
This project is a part of Ontario’s ongoing efforts to build and improve local schools, with the province providing the Rainy River District School Board with $30.9 million to build the addition in Atikokan.
“The opening of the new addition at Northern Lakes K-12 school is exciting news for out community as we continue to support new, modern schools for students in Atikokan” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
Highlights of the project include:
254 New student spaces
3 Childcare rooms
49 New childcare spaces
1 room EarlyON Child and Family Centre
“Our government is investing $14 billion over ten years to build new schools, improve existing facilities and create childcare spaces to ensure young people can reach their full potential,” stated Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “By building the new addition at Northern Lakes K-12 school as well as investing in tutoring and mental health supports for the year ahead, we are getting students in Atikokan back on track now and well into the future. While we make progress building this new school addition for Atikokan to support hard-working parents, we remain committed to keeping students in class this September in more normal classrooms with extra curriculars, sports, and clubs.
Heather Campbell, the Director of education with the RRDSB added, “The new Northern Lakes K-12 School in Atikokan demonstrates the Board’s commitment to state-of-the-art learning spaces that provide a safe, caring, and welcoming environment for our students, our staff, and our school community. As we welcome back student’s for the 2022-2023 school year, we acknowledge and are grateful to the Ontario government for their support of this capital project.”
Thunder Bay Getting More Health Care Funds
On behalf of Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, I am pleased to announce a pair of funding announcements for the City of Thunder Bay.
The Province is providing $16,100,357 for the Land Ambulance Services Grant (LASD) as well as an additional $226,095 through the Dedicated Offload Nursing Program (DONP).
“These funds will help hire nurses and additional health care workers who are dedicated to offloading ambulance patients in emergency departments,” stated MPP Holland, ” This support will reduce ambulance offload times, allowing paramedics to respond to other emergency calls.”
The LASD funding represents an average increase of five percent compared to 2021 funding levels and will support the firing of additional paramedics, wage and cost of living adjustments and ambulance service operations.
After School Program Fund in the Riding
Six program delivery partners are receiving funds for After School Programming thanks to an announcement from the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Neil Lumsden.
The province unveiled a total of $447,000 in Thunder Bay – Atikokan and Thunder Bay – Superior North, which is part of an overall investment of $13.5 million to support 110 organizations that provide opportunities for children and youth in priority neighbourhoods to be active and healthy.
“The experience of the past two years has highlighted the importance of sport and recreation programs to individual and community well-being,” said Minister Lumsden. “These programs are at he heart of Ontario’s communities and our government is committed to working with our partners, educators and community leaders to support opportunities for children, youth and families to be active and healthy.
The program will help kids stay active and engaged unstructured play and activities like baseball, dancing, or soccer.
It will also assist with developing leadership skills and provides personal wellness, anti-bullying, and nutrition education.
The delivery partners include:
– Atikokan Youth Initiatives Incorporated
– The Town of Atikokan
– The City of Thunder Bay
– Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay
– Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario
– Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoonn
Events in the Riding
110th Hymers Fall Fair
Had a great time at the Hymers Fall Fair to celebrate there 110th Anniversary!
Recognizing 14 Individuals from Thunder Bay Fire Rescue
Honoured to stand alongside MP, Marcus Powlowski to recognized fourteen individuals of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue for longevity and the sacrifices that come with putting your life at risk to help others.
As a former volunteer firefighter of 21 years, thank you for your service to our community.
Township of Upsala’s 100th Birthday
Visited Upsala to give remarks congratulating the township for there 100th birthday.
Remarks at TeamDEK Ladies Golf Tournement
Happy to deliver remarks at the first TeamDEK Ladies 9 Hole Best Ball Golf Tournament at the Fort William Country Club.
Team DEK is dedicated to improving addiction treatment services in the Thunder Bay District, which is something that I am striving to do as well.
MEMO Thunder Bay Event
Enjoyed Sunday night at the MEMO Ministry fundraising dinner inside the Victoria Inn.
They repurpose medical equipment that would otherwise be scrapped.
Productive Meetings in the Riding
Productive visits with the Minister of Mines, as well as the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
We spent time at the Central Canada Resource Expo and the Ontario Native Women’s Association Annual General Assembly.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Honoured to be at Hillcrest Park this morning to witness the Truth and Reconciliation flag raising.
We recognize the children who never returned home as well as the survivors of residential schools, in addition to their families and communities.
Awards
Metro Recognized for Excellence in Local Food Promotion
On behalf of Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I recognized the Metro location at 505 Arthur Street West with the Silver Award of Merit.
“It is fantastic to see this store in the riding recognized in this manner” stated Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “I congratulate all involved for the creativity to build produce displays, which helps encourage shoppers to buy local, while demonstrating an outstanding commitment to grow Ontario’s local food industry.”
The program celebrates the creative expression of produce managers and their staff for the unique and innovative displays that promote locally grown food.
“The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards is an important program recognizing excellence in the display, and promotion of all the high-quality fruits and vegetables grown right here at home in Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “I sincerely congratulate Metro for building innovative displays that encourage shoppers to support the Ontario farmers and market gardens. Buying local supports Ontario farmers, food processors, supports food security and benefits our entire economy.”
The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards includes four categories of displays retailers can enter between January to November that promote locally grown and in season fruits and vegetables.
Condolences
Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
I am very saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.
On behalf of the residents of Thunder Bay-Atikokan, I extend deepest sympathy to our new King and the entire royal family.
The Queen had a remarkable life and will be remembered for her commitment and service to her subjects around the world.
May she Rest In Peace.
Passing of Aunt Lucille
Sad to say that Lori’s aunt Lucille passed away on Tuesday.
Rest In Peace Aunt Lucille. We will miss you.