MPP Holland's June 2026 Community Update
- Jul 10
- 8 min read
Monthly Recap | June 2026
Featured News
Congratulations Jordan!
Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes on capturing the Stanley Cup after a hard-fought Final against the Vegas Golden Knights!
A special congratulations to Thunder Bay's own Jordan Staal on this remarkable achievement and on being awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. Becoming the oldest recipient of the award is a testament to his leadership, perseverance, and outstanding performance.
We are proud to celebrate another Stanley Cup champion from Thunder Bay. Our region continues to produce exceptional NHL talent, and it is inspiring to see so many hometown athletes achieve success on the international stage. Jordan's accomplishment is a source of pride for our entire community and an example for young athletes across Northwestern Ontario.
Dad Joke of the Month
“How did the piano get locked out of its car? It lost its keys."
What's New! - Announcements & Investments
Ontario Investing Over $2.8 Million in Port Infrastructure Upgrades in Northern Ontario
I had the pleasure to join Premier Ford and Minister George Pirie as our government announced more than $2.8 million through the NOHFC to strengthen marine transportation infrastructure at the Port of Thunder Bay and the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority in Town of Marathon & Recreation.
This investment will help expand cargo capacity, strengthen domestic supply chains, support east-west trade across Canada, and create good-paying jobs throughout our region. It will also help move Northern Ontario resources and products to markets across the country and around the world.
The Port of Thunder Bay is a critical gateway connecting western Canada, Northern Ontario, and international markets. By expanding storage and staging capacity at Keefer Terminal, we are ensuring our port remains competitive and ready for future growth.
At the same time, the new marine terminal in Marathon will unlock new opportunities for critical minerals, forestry products, renewable energy projects, and other key industries that drive our northern economy.
By investing in strategic infrastructure, our government is helping build a stronger, more resilient economy that supports workers, businesses, and communities across Northern Ontario.
Ontario Investing more than $300,000 to support revitalization work at the Terry Fox Visitor Centre
Our government announced an investment of more than $300,000 through the NOHFC to support revitalization work at the Terry Fox Visitor Centre in Thunder Bay.
This investment will help preserve one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks and ensure Terry Fox’s legacy continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
By revitalizing the visitor centre, monument, and surrounding grounds, we are improving accessibility, enhancing the visitor experience, and supporting tourism in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario. Terry Fox brought hope to Canadians at a time when it was deeply needed, and I am proud that our government is helping restore this site so his story can continue inspiring people for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project forward and for their continued commitment to celebrating Terry Fox’s remarkable legacy.
Ontario Connecting More Patients to Primary Care in Thunder Bay
It was great to welcome Premier Ford to The Port Arthur Health Centre to meet the dedicated staff who work every day to help people access the care they need.
Through Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan, the Port Arthur Health Centre received $958,500 in provincial funding and has already connected more than 8,000 patients to primary care, far exceeding its original target!
This success is part of a broader effort across our community. Together, five primary care teams in Thunder Bay have received more than $5.2 million in provincial support and have already connected over 11,000 patients to care.
Thank you to the teams at Port Arthur Health Centre, Harbourview Family Health Team, Anishnawbe Mushkiki, Matawa Health Co-operative, and Keewaytinook Okimakanak for the outstanding work you do every day to improve access to health care across our region!
Community Spotlight - local events, awards
Recognizing Volunteer in the Riding
I would like to recognize Bonnie as an incredible volunteer in our riding.
Bonnie volunteers at Algonquin Avenue Public School and can often be found helping with recess duty, supporting the lunch program, baking treats for students, and lending a hand wherever she is needed. Through her kindness, dedication, and generosity, she has built meaningful connections with both students and staff.
Volunteers like Bonnie make a real difference in our communities. Her commitment to supporting local students and helping create a positive and welcoming school environment is truly inspiring. Thank you, Bonnie, for everything you do for the students, staff, and families at Algonquin Public School!
Wisk Air's New Bell 407GXI Helicopter
Congratulations to Wisk Air Helicopters on the addition of a new Bell 407GXI helicopter to its fleet and on its continued growth here in Northwestern Ontario.
This investment strengthens the region’s aviation capacity and supports critical services that many northern and remote communities rely on, including infrastructure projects, mining operations, wildfire response, and transportation access.
Wisk Air’s commitment to fleet modernization, skilled local jobs, and expanded maintenance and support services is helping build a stronger aviation sector while supporting economic growth across Northern Ontario.
Pioneer Centre's Senior BBQ
I had the pleasure of joining the Pioneer Centre in Atikokan for their Seniors BBQ!
It was wonderful to connect with everyone, enjoy great conversations, share some great food, and spend time in beautiful Atikokan.
Thank you to the volunteers and staff at the Pioneer Centre who helped make the event possible!
Meetings
Meeting with Gary McKinnon
Great meeting with Gary McKinnon to discuss economic development opportunities for Atikokan. I look forward to continuing our conversations on ways we can help Atikokan grow and thrive.
Meeting with Green Technology Metals
I had a great meeting with the Green Technology Metals team!
Thank you for the thoughtful discussions. I look forward to continuing the conversation and connecting again in the future.
Ministry Events - Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products
Federal Forestry Taskforce Report
Happy to join NRCan Minister Tim Hodgson and BC Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar for an important federal announcement supporting forestry in Canada and Ontario.
This news and release of the Federal Forestry Taskforce Report reflects strong input from Ontario and endorses the key objectives found in our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector.
We’ll continue to work together to defend, adapt and grow a competitiveness forest sector.
CCFM’s Ministers’ Meeting with the Assembly of First Nations
I was honoured to represent Ontario at CCFM’s Ministers’ Meeting with the Assembly of First Nations.
It was a great discussion about building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities across the province.
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers in BC with the Métis National Council
Ontario at the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers in BC.
Pleased to discuss shared priorities and the need to explore opportunities for further engagement with the Métis National Council.
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers
There was insightful conversations on the future of forestry in the face of unfair tariffs and duties, while ensuring we have a robust and coordinated wildland fire response.
Ontario stands ready to work together with federal, provincial and territorial partners.
Bernie McGlynn Lumber Announcement
I was in Mildmay with Minister Lisa Thompson to announce a $1.6 million investment in Bernie McGlynn Lumber - a multi-generational family business that has been creating jobs and supporting South Bruce for more than 60 years.
This investment will help the company adapt to changing markets with new technology, expanded production capacity and innovative wood products that can compete globally.
Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are implementing our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector to defend, adapt, and grow an industry at the heart of building this province.
Advanced Wood Construction Working Group
At the heart of our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario Forest Sector is enabling strong local wood supply chains from harvest to the construction site.
I welcomed the second meeting of the Advanced Wood Construction Working Group to discuss how we can advance innovation, grow markets for made-in-Ontario wood products, and strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage.
Provincial Initiatives
Building More Homes Faster
Our government is taking action to reduce building costs and speed up the construction of new homes through the Development Charge Reduction Program: a new, shared program with the federal government that will deliver $8.8 billion in funding towards housing-enabling infrastructure projects for municipalities that cut development charges by 30% or more.
Along with the HST relief announced in Ontario’s 2026 budget, this program will help make homes across the province more affordable.
Unlocking the Ring of Fire: Breaking Ground on Geraldton's Main Street
A historic groundbreaking in Ontario, in partnership with northern and First Nation communities on the roadways at the gateway to the Ring of Fire.
Our plan to build all-season roads will unlock access to the Ring of Fire by 2030, create thousands of good-paying jobs in the North, advance economic reconciliation and make Ontario a critical minerals superpower.
Stronger Enforcement to Put Fans First
Ticket scalpers who rip off Ontario families are on notice.
We capped resale prices, and now we’re raising penalties to $25,000 to crack down on price gouging and make it easier for fans to see their favourite band, artist or sports team live.
Building Fortress North America
Ontario’s Fortress North America growth plan is built on a simple truth: economic security is national security.
By strengthening collaboration between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, we will create more jobs, lower costs and strengthen North American security.
Ontario and Pennsylvania Sign Energy and Trade Deal
Our government signed a deal to increase trade and cooperation between Ontario & Pennsylvania.
As we continue to Build Fortress North America, this agreement serves as a critical tool for unlocking new job-creating opportunities and protecting resources on both sides of the border.
Building Ontario's Critical Minerals Advantage
Ontario is investing in 18 new projects to strengthen domestic supply chains, accelerate made-in-Ontario innovation, and secure the resources needed for advanced manufacturing, energy security and national defence.
Securing Ontario's position as Canada's top destination for mining investment.
I am pleased to see businesses in Thunder Bay–Atikokan receiving support for their innovative work to advance the mining sector and strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in critical minerals development.
Building the Planning Workforce in Northern Ontario
Our government is investing $2.8M to train more community planners for Northern Ontario!
By opening a Bachelor of Community Planning at Nipissing University, we’re equipping Northern Ontario students with the cutting-edge skills to build stronger, more prosperous Northern communities.
Exporting Ontario's Critical Minerals Advantage to the UK
Our government has solidified Ontario's position as the world's reliable partner for critical minerals.
To protect our critical mineral supply chains and attract investment - Stephen Lecce signed a critical minerals agreement with the UK that will strengthen our resilience, boost our self-reliance and help secure the resources needed to power the future.
New Classroom Resources for Teachers
We’re investing $60 million to equip teachers with modernized classroom resources!
This announcement will help ensure students have access to high-quality learning opportunities no matter where they attend school.
Investing $6 Million to Support Young Entrepreneurs
We’re making it easier for Ontario’s young entrepreneurs to succeed.
Our government is helping nearly 1,000 young people access financing, mentorship, networking, and tools to take their businesses off the ground.
Ontario Investing Over $3 Million to Restore Wetlands
Our government is investing $3.1 million in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada to restore and enhance 136 acres of wetlands across Ontario.
This announcement will protect communities from flooding and strengthen the our province’s natural infrastructure.
Ontario Makes History Building the G7's First Small Modular Reactor with First Nations Investment
For the first time in Canadian history, First Nations are full equity partners in a nuclear project.
This agreement will help build prosperity across Ontario as we generate reliable power for generations to come.
Ontario and Webequie First Nation Break Ground on Ring of Fire Road
We’re marking a major milestone on a key link to the Ring of Fire, with shovels in the ground on the Webequie Supply Road.
In partnership with First Nations, we’re protecting Ontario by unlocking the vast economic potential of critical minerals while creating thousands of good-paying jobs.
Ontario Launching New Digital Fishing and Hunting Licensing Service
Our Government is making fishing and hunting easier across Ontario!
Through our new digital licensing system, we’re making it more convenient than ever to get the licenses and tags hunters and anglers need before heading outdoors
