MPP Holland's March 2026 Newsletter
- May 6
- 7 min read
Monthly Recap | March 2026
Featured News
Investing $8.8 Billion to Build More Homes
Ontario signed a transformational agreement with the Government of Canada to deliver housing-enabling infrastructure projects to lower the cost of housing and keep home ownership in reach for more families.
Ontario Taking Next Steps to Improve Conservation Authorities
As part of the announcement by Minister Todd McCarthy to strengthen watershed management and better protect communities, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority will maintain the territory it currently serves during the transition.
Under the new Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority communities will benefit from stronger frontline service delivery, improved technology, and a more streamlined and consistent approvals process, all while recognizing the region’s unique environmental needs.
Dad Joke of the Month
“What kind of shoes do ninjas wear? Sneakers.”
What's New! - Announcements & Investments
Ontario Investing $15,000 to Research Black Spruce at Lakehead University
I’m pleased to share that the province is investing more than $15,000 in innovative research to help protect our forests at Lakehead University.
This funding will support research into black spruce biodiversity and help inform sustainable forestry management practices that strengthen Ontario’s forestry sector.
Ontario Investing $431,959 for Critical Water Infrastructure in Nipigon
I'm pleased to announce that the province is investing $431,959 in critical water infrastructure to help support the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital!
Strong infrastructure plays an important role in supporting essential services like health care, while helping communities continue to grow and thrive. Investments like this help strengthen local systems that residents depend on every day.
Great to see this support going toward strengthening essential services in the Township of Nipigon and supporting the hospital and the people it serves.
Consturction Underway for Berens River Bridge
Great to see construction beginning on the Berens River Bridge, a major step forward for Pikangikum First Nation and neighbouring communities in Northwestern Ontario.
This innovative mass-timber bridge will connect seven remote First Nations with safer, year-round access while supporting good-paying jobs and strengthening Ontario’s forestry sector. By using wood from the Whitefeather Forest, the project helps create new opportunities for forestry workers, local businesses and Indigenous communities.
Investments like this help protect Ontario by building stronger supply chains, supporting our forestry sector and ensuring northern communities stay connected.
Ontario Investing More Than $78,000 to Expand Machinery Distribution Business in Thunder Bay
I was pleased to join the team at Final Drives Canada to announce more than $78,000 in NOHFC funding to help expand their operations in Thunder Bay.
Local businesses like this play an important role in keeping our regional economy strong and ensuring industries have access to the equipment and parts they need.
$99,000 OTF Grant Helps with Access to Food and Essential Services in Thunder Bay
It was great to join the Lakehead Social Planning Council to recognize the $99,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant supporting improved access to food and essential services in the region.
This funding is helping strengthen connections to important community supports and ensuring more residents can access the resources they need. Thank you to the team at the Lakehead Social Planning Council for the important work you do for people across our community.
Ontario Investing $21.8 Million for New Wastewater Treatment Plant in Screiber
Our government is investing $21,859,076 to build a new wastewater treatment plant in Township of Schreiber , helping ensure safe and reliable water infrastructure for residents while supporting housing, jobs, and long-term economic growth.
This investment will modernize essential infrastructure, protect public health, and help the Township of Schreiber continue to grow and thrive. Projects like this strengthen communities across Northwestern Ontario and make sure municipalities have the tools they need to plan for the future.
Thank you to the Township of Schreiber and local partners who worked to move this important project forward.
Community Spotlight
Thunder Bay District Municipal League Meeting
I had the opportunity to speak at the Thunder Bay District Municipal League meeting in Township of Nipigon about the work our government is doing to support municipalities across Northwestern Ontario and the opportunities ahead for our region.
It was a great talk with local leaders about ensuring our communities have the tools they need to succeed.
Northern Ontario Mixed Doubles Curling Champions
Congratulations to Lily Wright and Brayden Sinclair on their incredible achievement of winning the Northern Ontario Mixed Doubles Curling Championship!
Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off, and it’s great to see NWO talent achieving success on the ice.
PDAC 2026 Conference
It was great to meet with partners from across the province to engage in meaningful discussions at PDAC 2026! Our natural resources are a cornerstone of this province and we will continue to strive to be global leaders across all sectors.
Thunder Bay Police Service Charity Gala
It was a wonderful evening at the Thunder Bay Police Service Charity Gala. Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, and everyone who attended and supported such an important cause.
Together, $68,502 was raised for two charities that will make a real difference in the lives of local children and youth. Community events like this show the generosity and spirit that make our region so strong.
North Shore Steelhead Association Gala
I was happy to join the North Shore Steelhead Association for their annual dinner. It was a great evening supporting an organization that keeps our hunting and fishing traditions alive.
Ministry Events
Meeting with the Sweden Delegate
I had the incredible opportunity to join Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff to meet with delegates from the Government of Sweden!
We had productive discussions focused on Ontario’s critical resource sector, sustainable forestry, and the future of energy, both here at home and globally.
Ontario continues to be a leader in responsible resource development, and conversations like this help drive innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth. Looking forward to continued collaboration as we continue to protect Ontario.
Meeting with Constance Lake First Nation
It was great to meet with Constance Lake First Nation to talk about some of their exciting forestry projects. Thank you for taking the time to engage in these discussions as we continue to move forward to protect Ontario’s forestry sector.
3rd Annual Mass Timber Construction Conference
I had the pleasure of speaking at the 3rd Annual Mass Timber Construction Conference to highlight how Ontario is supporting a future built with wood.
Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is taking action through our Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan to strengthen the forestry sector, support mass timber construction, and create opportunities for workers and communities.
These innovative projects are shaping a more competitive future for forestry as we continue to Protect Ontario.
Meeting with Federal Ministers on Ontario's Forestry Sector
Very exciting conversations today with Minister Tim Hodgson and Minister Patty Hajdu in Ottawa regarding the future of our forestry sector, and how both provincial and federal governments can work together to protect Ontario.
Joint Federal Announcement for Targeted Tariff Relief and Supports
Proud to join federal Ministers Hajdu and Sidhu, alongside my provincial colleagues Minister Piccini and Harris for this announcement. The provincial and federal governments came together to announce over 220 million dollars in targeted sector tariff relief and supports for Ontario.
Oakwood Headquarters Tour
Great conversations with John and Patricia Liptak at Oakwood’s headquarters talking about all the ways we can build in Ontario- from renovations and new builds to exciting new uses for automated wood construction in our province.
Meeting with FP Innovations
We had a productive and meaningful discussion focused on protecting Ontario and strengthening our forestry sector’s role as a global leader.
Under the leadership of Premier Ford we are working across industry to collaborate as we continue to support innovation, sustainability, and good forestry jobs across the province.
Meeting with Batchewana First Nation
Minister Harris and I had the opportunity to meet with Chief McCoy and Batchewana First Nation. We had a productive and meaningful discussion on the future of Ontario’s forestry sector and how we can strengthen collaboration with Indigenous partners.
By working together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future, protecting Ontario’s forests, supporting local communities, and advancing our shared commitment to stewardship for generations to come.
Provincial Initiatives
Unlocking the Ring of Fire
We’re getting shovels in the ground on roads to the Ring of Fire five years ahead of schedule, in partnership with First Nations.
With the first roads beginning to open in 2030, we’re unlocking the vast economic potential of the region to create 70,000 jobs and add $22B to Ontario’s economy.
Ontario Launching Classroom Supplies Fund to Support Elementary School Teachers and Students
Teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for classroom supplies.
Ontario’s new Classroom Supplies Fund will provide $750 each year to elementary school homeroom teachers to help purchase the materials students need to succeed.
Supporting Tourism and Economic Growth
To help support local tourism and drive economic growth, Ontario is expanding “bring-your-own” (formerly tailgate) event permits for municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events.
The expanded permits will allow people to bring their own alcohol for consumption at municipally designated outdoor events, including:
Farmer’s markets
Movie screenings
Art exhibits
Neighbourhood festivals
Ontario Protecting Fans by Capping Ticket Resale Prices
Our government is capping resale prices!
New changes will cap ticket resale prices and strengthen consumer protections, so more families and fans have the opportunity to see their favourite band or sports team perform live.
Improving Safety on the Highway 11/17 Corridor
Our government is taking action to make improvements on Highways 11 and 17. These highways are critical lifelines, connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and keeping supply chains moving across the region.
In 2025‑26, our government is investing nearly $583 million through the Northern Highways Program to:
Expand and repair key highway sections, including ongoing work between Thunder Bay and Nipigon, and the next stage of development between Thunder Bay and Shabaqua Corners
Boost enforcement with more Transportation Officers and mobile inspection units to target dangerous driving and keep all road users safe
Improve signage, rest areas, and truck pull-off capacity, making it easier and safer for long-distance and commercial drivers
Crack down on dangerous driving, helping reduce impaired driving, speeding, and inattentive driving
These investments are projects that will make a difference for families, workers, and businesses across Northwestern Ontario. Police enforcement has already increased in key areas, helping keep travellers safe, while ongoing infrastructure upgrades are improving traffic flow and reducing collision risks.
