October 2023 Monthly Review

Funding Overview

Monthly Overview

Annual Overview

Investments in the Riding

Government Supporting Capacity at TBRHSC

I accompanied The Hon. Sylvia Jones Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Ontario as she announced an investment of over $1.18 billion this year to support over 3,500 hospital beds across the province.

We are thrilled to share that Thunder Bay will be receiving $7,738,000 to support their capacity in helping patients in the region connect to care closer to home.

7.3 Million Investment to help over 1,700 Indigenous Job Seekers

I joined Minister David Piccini today to announce that the Ontario Government is investing $7.3 million to help over 1,700 Indigenous job seekers in Northern Ontario prepare for in-demand careers in their communities.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/…/ontario-training-indigenous…

Thunder Bay Museum Receives two OTF Grants

I am proud to share the success of the Thunder Bay Museum that received two OTF Grants totaling $158,200.

These funds have been instrumental. They’ve enabled the museum to purchase essential COVID-19 supplies, cover important operating costs, carry out vital renovations, establish a fundraising coordinator position, secure new promotional materials, and give their website a much-needed upgrade.

Congratulations to the entire team at the museum!

9 Local Businesses Receive NOHFC Funding

I visited B&G Industrial Services while in Temiskaming Shores to tour their impressive trailer manufacturing facility.

They are one of nine small businesses receiving funding as part of a $1.9 million NOFHC grant aimed to enhance infrastructure and expand small business operations.

The investments made ensure that local municipalities and businesses have the tools they need to continue to support our thriving communities in the North.

The following are all recipients of this grant:

· $457,377 for the Town of Kirkland Lake to expand the Archer Drive Industrial Park by bringing municipal services, natural gas and telecommunications infrastructure to the expansion area, along with site investigations, engineering, and design activities

· $400,000 for B&G Industrial Services and Holdco to invest in a new 22,500-square-foot facility in Thornloe dedicated to trailer manufacturing and acquire new equipment including robotic welders, product positioners and an overhead crane

· $400,000 for Tricube Contracting in Matheson to purchase equipment that will expand aggregate crushing capacity and services

· $355,607 for Jean’s Diesel Shop Ltd. in Hearst to expand garage and office space, allowing for additional capacity, reduced customer wait times and more storage space for parts

· $207,922 for 1940303 Ontario Inc. – a logging company in Hearst – to purchase equipment, including a forwarder head and harvester, that will help address increased demand from local sawmills

· $68,564 for the Lee Golf Club in Cochrane to make upgrades and renovations and purchase new equipment that allow the club to operate sustainably year-round, add new revenue streams and reduce expenses

· $39,330 for the Connaught and District Historical Society to make building repairs and upgrades, create more space for artifact displays and restore a historical boat that will serve as a new main attraction for the facility

· $18,675 for the Matheson Agricultural Society to extend the life of the curling rink’s ice chiller by replacing the compressor unit

· $17,000 for the Haileybury Golf Club to install an elevator and an accessible washroom on the dining hall floor

Veterinary Incentive Program

Happy to share that Thunder Bay – Atikokans newly graduated veterinarians can receive funding from the Veterinary Incentive Program!

The Ontario government is addressing the veterinarian shortages for rural and Northern communities through the Veterinary Incentive Program. Up to 100 newly licensed veterinarians will be provided with up to $50,000 over five years to practice in underserviced areas of the province.

Events in the Riding

Premier Doug Ford Visits Thunder Bay

Our incredible community of Thunder Bay had the pleasure and honour of hosting The Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario on October 5th and 6th.

Premier Doug Ford and The Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs, were present at Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services – KKETS(K.K.E.T.S.) to provide a significant announcement regarding the expansion of the crucial services and programs offered through KKETS. This expansion includes specialized in-class apprenticeship training for carpentry, providing a gateway for jobseekers of the Matawa First Nations communities to receive state-of-the-art training in a high-demand sector.

Additionally, we were also privileged to visit key industrial sites throughout the city including the Resolute Saw Mill, the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill, and Synergy North.

Thank you to all the organizations for taking the time out of their busy days to meet with us!

2023 Firefighter Graduation

Congratulations to the 2023 Firefighter graduates!

After 3 months of intensive training, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue has 10 new firefighters who are ready to serve our community with courage, dedication, and valor. It was an honor to be part of their graduation ceremony and witness the beginning of their heroic journey.

The graduation ceremony was a testament to their hard work and commitment. These individuals have chosen a path of selflessness and bravery, and we are fortunate to have them join our ranks.

We look forward to witnessing your continued growth and excellence in the service of our beloved city.

Grand Opening of Atikokan K – 12 High School

On behalf of The Hon. Minister Stephen Lecce and myself as MPP of Thunder Bay – Atikokan, I am pleased to announce the grand opening of the new Atikokan K-12 high school!

While touring the new facility, I had the chance to chat with some enthusiastic students who had nothing but praise for their experience here. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact this remarkable $23 million investment from the provincial government is having on our education system. Quality education and a thriving environment are essential for our students’ success.

Dress Purple Day

Today we wear purple to speak up for every young person in Ontario’s safety and well-being.

Learn about the important role individuals and communities have in supporting those in who are facing challenges: oacas.org/dresspurpleday/

Grand Opening of Mary Browns Chicken in Thunder Bay

Congratulations to the team at Mary Browns Chicken on their Grand Opening!

2025 Scotties Confirmed to be Hosted in Thunder Bay

I am excited to share that the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be hosted back in Thunder Bay from February 14th – 23rd!

Its great to see this tournament back in Thunder Bay after the two previous pandemic-affected attempts.

Sod-Turning Event at St. Hilary Catholic School in Red Rock

On behalf of The Hon. Minister Stephen Lecce, I was honoured to attend the sod-turning event at St. Hilary Catholic School in Red Rock.

The school is in the process of adding a new state-of-the-art addition that aims to provide students and staff with modern and spacious learning environments while improving accessibility and safety throughout the school.

This project is funded by the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities Program and the Superior North Catholic District School Board.

From attending this event, I can tell this project will not only have a huge impact on the students it will also have a lasting effect on the community.

More information: https://www.sncdsb.on.ca/news/what_s_new/st_hilary_addition

The Municipal Agricultural Economic Development and Planning Forum

Honoured to represent Minister Greg Rickford at the Municipal Agricultural Economic Development and Planning Forum.

Our government is committed to supporting this vital sector’s growth through strategic investments via the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). Together, we are building strong communities and creating opportunities for the people of the North. Thank you to the City of Temiskaming Shores for hosting us!

New Dedicated Sitting Area at Hillcrest Park

The new dedicated sitting area that was just opened at Hillcrest park on Saturday to commemorate and honour the survivors of the Indian Residential School system and to acknowledge the thousands of children who never made it home.

In the spirit of reconciliation, please visit Ontario.ca/LearntheLegacy to learn about the history of Indian Residential Schools

OPP Operation Return Update

In Ontario Provincial Police – North West Region continuous efforts to keep our communities safe, I’m proud to share the significant achievements of “Operation Return”. This intelligence-driven initiative was laser-focused on the safe apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants across the North West Region.

The results of this operation was the apprehension of 306 individuals with outstanding warrants and related charges in the past nine months. 112 of which, were from the Thunder Bay District with 27 located within the City of Thunder Bay.

Thank you to all the regional policing partners for collaborating together to achieve this operation.

2nd Health Roundtable and TBRHSC Tour

The Hon. Sylvia Jones and myself met with the Leadership of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). We were given a tour of TBRHSC facilities and spoke with multiple doctors about how we can make improvements in healthcare within the region.

We also held the 2nd Thunder Bay Health Round Table where we had great discussions about the future of the Thunder Bay healthcare.

Thank you to everyone that attended and helped to make these events happen. These are just the first steps we are taking to further advance our healthcare system.

Minister Sylvia Jones Visit

The Hon. Sylvia Jones and I met and toured multiple organizations last week.

Thank you to the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), Evergreen Pharmacy, Superior EMS, and St. Joseph’s Care Group for meeting with us and sharing of the valuable services you are providing to the community.

The strides that we are taking in Thunder Bay to advance our healthcare are major.

This is just the beginning to improved healthcare within the region.

Meetings in the Riding

Meeting with Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation

Had a great meeting with Chief Whitecloud, Minister Stephen Lecce and Minister Greg Rickford discussing educational opportunities in Northwest Ontario and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.

Thank You for Visiting

A warm thank you for visiting us Team DEK!

We appreciate the opportunity to connect and are grateful for your time

Meeting with Minister Pirie and Minister Fedeli

It was great to meet with Minister George Pirie and Minster Victor Fedeli to continue discussions on opportunities for Thunder Bay.