MPP Holland's August 2026 Community Update
Updated: Sep 8
Monthly Recap | August 2026
Featured News
I had the pleasure of joining the community of Atikokan for the Ontario Volunteer Service Award Ceremony.
We recognized 18 incredible volunteers, with service milestones ranging from 5 to 45 years. Thank you to each recipient for the time, dedication and care you have given to your community over the years.
A special thank you to the Atikokan Pioneer Centre for hosting this year’s ceremony and helping us celebrate the people who give so much back to their community.
Dad Joke of the Month
“What do you call sheep rolling down a hill? A lambslide."
What's New! - Announcements & Investments
Ontario Invests Nearly $1.7 Million for Medical Transit in Northwestern Ontario
Nearly $1.7 million is coming to Northwestern Ontario to improve access to safe, reliable and accessible medical transportation.
This investment will expand Riverside Health Care Facilities’ Medically Stable Patient Transport program, including a new station in Atikokan, while also supporting accessible transportation between Fort Frances and Thunder Bay.
These services will help seniors and people with accessibility needs get to the health care and services they depend on, closer to home.
Thank you to Riverside Health Care Facilities for continuing to improve transportation options across our region!
Ministry Announcements and News
Ontario Investing More Than $2 Million to Unlock Global Markets for Made-in-Ontario Forest Products
I joined MPP Denault at Ben Hokum and Son in the Ottawa Valley to announce more than $2.1 million to support four projects that will strengthen Ontario’s forest sector, protect 115 jobs and support more than 100 indirect jobs.
Through the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, we’re helping businesses adapt and grow through innovation, expanding into new global markets and putting more Ontario wood to work.
Roseburg Forest Products Tour with MPP Billy Denault
I was in Pembroke with MPP Denault where we had the opportunity to tour Roseburg Forest Products.
It was great to meet with the team and understand how innovation is giving new life to this anchor facility.
Our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector will continue to push for new and expanded ways to use forest biomass, adapting and expanding domestic supply chains.
Ontario Investing Nearly $1 Million to Unlock New Markets for Forest Biomass
I joined MPP Clark in North Grenville where we announced $865,000 to partner with the Ontario Woodlot Association and private woodlot owners to unlock new markets for Ontario wood, advance sustainable forest management and protect good-paying jobs.
Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector we are defending forestry businesses and workers by adapting to new marks and growing local supply chains.
Atlantic Power Tour
I had the opportunity to visit Atlantic Power in Calstock as we begin our tour of north eastern Ontario!
Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, we are putting wood biomass to work to power communities and anchor forestry businesses.
Columbia Forest Products / Levesque Plywood Tour
The next stop off the Hwy 11 corridor was a visit to Columbia Forest Products / Levesque Plywood in Hearst!
This facility is one of few in Ontario utilizing veneer-quality poplar, creating value from a species sometimes seen as less marketable.
Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector and under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’ll continue to defend, adapt, and grow this resilient and diversified industry.
GreenFirst Forest Products Tour
Still in Hearst, we toured GreenFirst Forest Products’ anchor sawmill that supports 122 direct local jobs and contributes millions to the Ontario economy.
It was great to hear that Greenfirst is investing to modernize its northern Ontario mills. Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector under Premier Ford, we’ll continue to defend, adapt, and grow this cornerstone industry.
La Maison Verte Tour
Before leaving Hearst, we dropped in to see the great work being done by the team at La Maison Verte.
La Maison Verte plays a critical role in our sustainable forest sector by growing millions of seedlings to replant harvested areas.
Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, we’ll continue to defend, adapt and grow forest supply chains, supporting workers and businesses across this province.
Kap Paper Tour
Another stop along the Hwy 11 corridor to Kap Paper in beautiful Kapuskasing!
Kap Paper is an important part of the regional forest supply chain, providing paper for the North American market while providing a critical outlet for residuals from local sawmills.
Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, we’re defending workers and businesses while creating the right conditions to adapt and grow this cornerstone industry across the province.
Community Spotlight - Local Events, Awards
Captain Jordan Staal's Stanley Cup Day
It was great to see the Stanley Cup back home in Thunder Bay!
Congratulations to Thunder Bay’s own Jordan Staal on an incredible season, captaining the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2026 Stanley Cup and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Thank you, Jordan, for taking the time to share this special moment with your hometown and for continuing to make Thunder Bay proud.
Atikokan General Hospital Meeting
I had a great meeting with CEO Jennifer Learning and Dr. Shawn Minor.
Thank you both for the work you do each day to support the community of Atikokan. It was great to connect and talk about the important work happening locally.
AMO 2026
AMO 2026 Kickoff
August 16, marked the start of AMO 2026, and it is great to reconnect with familiar faces and municipal leaders from communities across Ontario.
The AMO Conference is always an important opportunity to hear directly from municipalities about their priorities, share ideas and discuss how we can continue working together to strengthen our communities and support the people we serve.
Meeting with the Town of Atikokan
Great to connect with the Township of Atikokan at AMO 2026 and discuss the priorities and opportunities important to the community.
Thank you to the Township representatives for taking the time to meet and for continuing to advocate for Atikokan.
City of Thunder Bay Delegation with Minister Sylvia Jones and Minister Vijay Thanigasalam
Started off AMO 2026 with a meeting with the delegation from the City of Thunder Bay, Minister Sylvia Jones and Minister Vijay Thanigasalam.
Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion and for the opportunity to speak about Thunder Bay’s health care priorities.
City of Thunder Bay Delegation with Minister Graydon Smith
It was a productive meeting at AMO 2026 with Minister Graydon Smith and the City of Thunder Bay delegation.
We had a good discussion about Thunder Bay’s priorities and the opportunities ahead for our community.
AMO provides an important opportunity to bring local priorities directly to the provincial table and continue working together to deliver results for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Delegation with Minister Graydon Smith
Great to have had back-to-back meetings with Minister Graydon Smith at AMO 2026, including a meeting with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association delegation to discuss priorities affecting communities across Northwestern Ontario.
Thank you to everyone involved for the productive discussions and for continuing to bring forward the issues and opportunities that matter across our region.
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Delegation with PA Michelle Cooper
It was another productive meeting at AMO 2026, this time joining the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association delegation for discussions with PA Michelle Cooper.
We had great discussions about the opportunities in Northwestern Ontario and throughout the region.
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board with PA John Jordan
It was good to meet with The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and PA John Jordan at AMO 2026.
Thank you to the TBDSSAB delegation for the valuable conversation and for bringing these important local priorities forward.
The Township of Conmee Delegation with Minister Michael Kerzner
Day 2 of AMO 2026 kicked off with a meeting with the Township of Conmee delegation and Minister Michael Kerzner.
Thank you for the productive discussion on the needs of the community and opportunities to support continued growth in Conmee.
The Township of Terrace Bay Delegation
Thank you to the Township of Terrace Bay for the productive conversation on forestry and the future of Northern communities.
We’re working together to defend, adapt and grow Ontario’s forest sector.
The Northern Ontario Colleges Consortium with Minister Nolan Quinn
Had a great meeting with Minister Nolan Quinn and the Northern Ontario Colleges Consortium at AMO 2026!
Thank you for the productive discussion on strengthening postsecondary education and supporting students across Northern Ontario.
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and FONOM Delegations with Minister George Pirie and Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria
It was great to meet with Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and FONOM alongside Ministers George Pirie and Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria at AMO 2026.
Always valuable to hear directly from Northern municipal leaders and continue the conversation on issues affecting communities across the North.
Thank you to both delegations for the discussions.
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board with PA Lorne Coe
Had another productive meeting at AMO 2026, this time with The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and PA Lorne Coe.
Thank you for the opportunity to connect and discuss matters important to communities across the Thunder Bay region.
Renfrew County Delegation with MPP Billy Denault
It was great meeting with Renfrew County today at AMO alongside MPP Billy Denault to discuss the important role forestry plays in the region.
Our government’s Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector is about defending our industry, helping communities adapt and growing new opportunities for Ontario wood.
Provincial Initiatives
Ontario Investing $16 Million to Help Smaller and Rural Communities Access Safe and Reliable Transit
Through our historic $70 billion plan to build, we’re delivering the largest public transit expansion in North America.
We're building the transportation infrastructure that will grow the economy, keep people moving and create good-paying jobs.
Ontario Expanding Adult Correctional Capacity to Keep Dangerous Offenders Behind Bars
Protecting Ontario starts with making sure violent and repeat criminals stay behind bars, where they belong.
Our government is investing $3 billion across the province to build and expand jails so we can protect Ontario communities and keep our streets safe.
This plan builds on the new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex, which is nearing completion, by increasing its planned capacity.
Building a More Competitive Economy
Since 2018, our government has raised public revenue by $77 billion, all without raising a tax.
We’ll continue to help people keep more of their hard-earned money while building the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7.
Strengthening Bail Requirements to Protect Communities
Effective August 17, 2026, our government is delivering on our promise to fix the broken bail system & keep communities safe.
New measures to make bail more real & consequential will strengthen compliance, improve the collection of bail debts & ensure offenders stay behind bars.
Building the Infrastructure Communities Need
Our government is stepping up to support municipalities. Together with the federal government, we’re providing $1B to support housing and community-enabling infrastructure projects in municipalities, like Thunder Bay, that do not levy development charges.
This funding will help municipalities build more homes and protect existing housing supply.
Ontario Connecting 600,000 More Patients to Primary Care
Our government is connecting 600,000 more people to primary care through our Primary Care Action Plan!
With our next call for proposals launching in September, this builds on our investment last year in the Thunder Bay region, which has already connected over 11,000 people to care, closer to home.
Ontario Opening 35 New and Expanded Schools This September
Our government is delivering on our plan to protect Ontario through our $30 billion, 10-year plan to build, expand and renew schools and create more licensed child care spaces for families.
Since 2018, we have invested $77.4 million in Thunder Bay—Atikokan for:
- 2 new schools
- 3 school expansions
This investment is creating 1,536 student spaces and 147 child care spaces.
Ontario Investing Nearly $75 Million to Build a Strong Long-Term Care Workforce
Our government is investing $75 million to train thousands of workers for rewarding careers in long-term care.
More skilled care providers means more good-paying jobs for Ontarians and better care for our seniors.
Ontario Expanding Protections for Tariff-Impacted Workers
We’ll do whatever it takes to protect Ontario workers.
With businesses facing more unjustified tariffs from the U.S., we’re fighting back to support impacted businesses and keep workers on the job as we face down this latest economic attack from President Trump.
Ontario Marks First Access to Nickel Ore at the Craig Mine Onaping Depth Expansion
In the face of U.S. tariffs, Ontario is building mines faster to create jobs and a stronger economy.
Under Premier Ford, faster approvals, stronger supply chains and a skilled workforce are making Ontario the best place in the world to build mines.
Ontario and Marten Falls First Nation Break Ground on Ring of Fire Road
Shovels are in the ground for the Marten Falls Community Access Road, another milestone in our plan to build roads to the Ring of Fire, 5 years ahead of schedule.
We’re unlocking Ontario’s critical minerals to create thousands of good-paying jobs, all part of our plan to protect Ontario.
