MPP Holland's May 2026 Community Update
- Jun 2
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Monthly Recap | May 2026
Featured News
Caroline Mulroney steps down as MPP
I want to thank The Hon. Caroline Mulroney for her years of dedicated service to the province of Ontario.
Since 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Caroline and have always appreciated her thoughtful approach, generosity, and support. Her passion for public service and for making a difference in the lives of people across York-Simcoe and Ontario has been evident every step of the way.
Wishing Caroline and her family every happiness as they begin on the next chapter in their lives.
Ontario Unveils Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector
I was excited to be joined by Minister Mike Harris at T3 Bayside to announce our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector.
This new strategy will defend, adapt and grow the sector, fostering innovation and good paying jobs while making us a G7 leader in producing and selling forest products.
Happy Retirement to my wife Lori!
After years of hard work and dedication, this next chapter is well deserved. I’m incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished.
Congratulations Lori, enjoy retirement!
Dad Joke of the Month
“What did the hat say to the hat rack? You stay here, I'll go on a head.”
What's New! - Announcements & Investments
Ontario Investing Over $751,000 in Hospital Infrastructure Upgrades and Repairs In Greenstone
Pleased to announce more than $751,000 in funding for important infrastructure upgrades at the Geraldton District Hospital, including improvements to the boiler system and sidewalks.
While these investments may not always be top of mind, they are essential to maintaining safe, reliable facilities and supporting quality patient care.
Thank you to the team at the hospital for hosting us and for the great work you continue to do in supporting health care in the Greenstone community.
Ontario Investing $3.6 Million For Critical Water Infrastructure in Greenstone
Happy to be in The Municipality of Greenstone to announce more than $3.6 million in funding for critical water infrastructure, supporting the rehabilitation of the Centennial Drive storm sewer.
Investments like this help protect communities, improve reliability, and ensure infrastructure can support growth for years to come.
Thank you to Mayor McPherson and Council for your continued leadership and the important work you are doing to strengthen your community.
Ontario Investing Over $2.5 Million Through the NOHFC to support 75 internship Positions Across the Region
I'm pleased to share that our government has invested more than $2.5 million through the NOHFC to support 75 internship positions across our region since January 2026!
This funding is helping local businesses grow while creating valuable opportunities for people to gain experience and build their careers close to home. It’s great to see the impact through placements like Gio at Thunder Bay International Airport, Magnus at NorthWinds Environmental Services, Jaida at Atikokan General Hospital , and Nik at First Response Mental Health!
This funding makes a real difference for our communities, and it’s encouraging to see more opportunities being created each month..
Ontario Investing $5.5 Million in Greenwater Technology to Protect the Province's Forestry Sector
We took our first step in implementing the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector by announcing a $5.5 million investment in Greenwater Technology and their new biofuel pilot project in Thunder Bay.
Under Premier Ford, our government is adapting and growing the forest sector through strategic investments to support new and expanded uses for Ontario wood fibre and products in emerging markets.
Expanding Access To Addictions Treatment at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
I was happy to be at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care to announce a $200,000 increase in base funding for their RAAM program, helping expand access to addiction treatment and support services across our region.
This investment will help more people connect to timely care and build on the important work being done every day by the team at Dilico to support individuals and families in the region.
NOHFC Investment of $2 Million Will Help Build the New Tbaytel Multiplex Turf Facility
Minister George Pirie announced a $2 million investment through the NOHFC to support construction of the new Tbaytel Multiplex Turf Facility in Thunder Bay.
This new indoor turf facility will create more opportunities for athletes and families, support sports tourism, and help strengthen our local economy for generations to come.
Ontario Investing $1 Million to Expand ModBox Modular in Thunder Bay
I was happy to join Minister George Pirie and PA Will Bouma to announce a $1 million NOHFC investment to support the expansion of ModBox NWO Inc Modular in Thunder Bay. This investment will help the company increase production capacity, modernize operations, and continue delivering high-quality modular housing solutions for communities across the region.
As we work to defend, adapt, and grow Ontario’s economy, projects like this help strengthen northern manufacturing, support skilled workers, and create new opportunities for the forestry and construction sectors across the region, including in First Nation communities.
Thank you to the team at ModBox Modular for continuing to invest in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario!
Ontario is Providing Up to $30,000 Through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program to Aid The Township of O’Connor
I’m pleased to share that the Province of Ontario is providing up to $30,000 through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program to help the Township of O’Connor recover from the impacts of flooding.
This funding will support essential repairs to roads and critical infrastructure damaged during the spring flooding event and help the community continue rebuilding safely and efficiently.
Thank you to Mayor Vezina and Council for their continued leadership and commitment to the community.
Ontario Investing over $1,671,000 to Protect and Support Northern Communities in the Thunder Bay Region
By continuing the NORDS fund, northern municipalities can plan with confidence and maintain the roads, bridges, and infrastructure that support resource development, jobs, and economic growth.
15 municipalities across Thunder Bay - Atikokan and Thunder Bay - Superior North received a total of over $1.6 million towards 13 projects!
Ontario Supporting Increased First Nations Ownership in East-West Tie Transmission Line
I joined Minister Sam Oosterhoff as he announced increased First Nations ownership in the East-West Tie Transmission Line, alongside PA Will Bouma and PA Michelle Cooper.
Through support from Ontario’s Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, Bamkushwada LP, which represents six First Nations along the north shore of Lake Superior, has increased its ownership stake in the project from 3.5 per cent to 20 per cent.
This investment is an important step forward for economic reconciliation and will help strengthen reliable energy infrastructure across Northwestern Ontario while creating long-term economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Thank you to all of our partners, including Bamkushwada LP, Hydro One , NextEra Energy Resources, and the Building Ontario Fund, for their collaboration and leadership on this important project.
Community Spotlight - local events, awards
Congratulations Dr. Van Der Loo
A big congratulations to Dr. Van Der Loo on receiving a Rural Long Service Award from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada!
Our Kids Count Great Gatsby Gala
We had a great time at the Great Gatsby Gala, which raised more than $39,000 towards Our Kids Count!
It was a wonderful evening supporting an important cause, and it was great to see so many people come together in support of local kids and families.
St. Ann Elementary School Visit With Speaker Skelly
I joined The Hon. Speaker Donna Skelly as she stopped by St. Ann Elementary School to talk with students about her role as speaker and how the Ontario Parliament operates.
Thank you to Mr. Bortolussi's grade 4/5 class for having us join your class and for the great mock debate that the students participated in while we were there. It was very impressive to see the students engagement and see the knowledge they already knew about the 3 levels of government.
Thunder Bay Centennial Botanical Conservatory Tour With Minister Pirie
It was great to join Minister George Pirie , PA Will Bouma , and the NOHFC board for a tour of the Conservatory.
This was my first time back since construction wrapped up, and it is amazing to see the transformation. The space looks incredible, and it’s great to see such an important community attraction refreshed and thriving again.
If you haven’t been in awhile, I would definitely recommend taking some time over the weekend to stop by and check it out!
Algonquin Avenue Public School Visit
Thank you to Algonquin Avenue Public School for having me by to tour your special education programs and take part in some very insightful discussions.
It was inspiring to see how engaged and dedicated the staff are in supporting students each day. The care and commitment they bring to their work every day truly makes a difference.
I also want to thank Algonquin Avenue Public School for the opportunity to see the skills being taught in your classrooms while I was there. From building a canoe from scratch, to learning how to paddle, to developing hands-on outdoor and life skills, it is clear that students are receiving a rich and well-rounded educational experience.
I want to sincerely thank Principal Darren Lentz for the invitation and for the strong leadership and care demonstrated throughout the school.
NOHFC Board Meeting
It was great to have the NOHFC board meeting in Thunder Bay.
We also had two important NOHFC announcements while Minister George Pirie and PA Will Bouma were in Thunder Bay, totalling over $3 million in investments in Thunder Bay.
Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the month of meetings and announcements that help to strengthen Northern Ontario communities, create jobs, and help grow our regional economy.
NextEra Energy Meeting
Thank you to Tracee and Evan from NextEra Energy for meeting with me!
It was great to meet you both and have the opportunity to discuss the important work being done to support the energy sector in the region.
Queens Park Events
MMIW Luncheon with Minister Tibollo
It was great to join Minister Tibollo and community members for the MMIW luncheon.
We reflected on the more than 4,000 stories shared in the book recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and the lives, families, and communities behind them.
I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from community members and take part in such an important conversation.
Chief Dave Tarini and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
Members of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs were at Queens Park, including newly appointed Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Chief Dave Tarini.
It was great to connect and discuss the important work being done to support public safety and strengthen fire services across our communities.
Congratulations again to Chief Tarini on his new role, and thank you to all of our fire chiefs for their leadership and service.
Ministry Events - Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products
Ontario Investing $10 Million in Georgia-Pacific North Woods to Protect the Province's Forestry Sector
Our government announced we are investing $10 million in Georgia-Pacific North Woods to protect more than 220 direct jobs and strengthen forestry in northeastern Ontario.
As U.S. tariffs and trade pressures continue to impact the sector, our roadmap to Defend, Adapt and Grow is helping mills modernize, strengthen supply chains, and put more Ontario wood to work.
This investment is about protecting workers, supporting communities, and building a stronger future for Ontario forestry.
Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities conference
It was great to be in Timmins at the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities conference.
I welcomed the opportunity to sit down with Northern municipalities and update them on the province’s new Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector.
Kirkland Lake Forest Products Visit With Minister Pirie
It was great to visit Kirkland Lake Forest Products with Minister Pirie and meet with the hardworking people helping keep Ontario’s forestry sector strong and competitive.
Our government’s new Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector is positioning industry to adapt and grow while defending jobs and economic opportunities across Northern Ontario.
Ontario Investing $14 Million to Strengthen Forest Sector Competitiveness
It was great to be in the Sault alongside the OFIA and Microsoft to announce our government’s $14 million investment to modernize Ontario’s Forest Resources Inventory System.
A key part of our new Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, this investment in cutting-edge technology will help our G7 leading forestry sector remain cost-competitive and be ready to quickly adapt to new emerging markets.
Provincial Initiatives
Cracking Down on Illegal Drug Use
People deserve to feel safe when they take transit to work, school or home.
That is why our government is proposing new measures that would give special constables the authority to stop people from using illegal drugs on transit and in transit areas and issue tickets or make arrests if they refuse to comply.
Level Up Is Back
The 2026 Level Up! Career Fair is coming to Thunder Bay on October 21 - 22!
For too long, young people were told the skilled trades were a second choice.
Our government is changing that by connecting youth directly with employers and training providers, opening doors to hands on learning and real pathways into good paying careers.
Investing in The Next Generation of Athletes
We're proud to invest in Canadian Women & Sport's The Next Play program!
This made-for-Ontario initiative will help break down barriers and support the next generation of female athletes to train and grow their skills across Ontario.
Reducing Wait Times for Police Record Checks
Our government is taking action to reduce wait times for police record checks so people can access jobs and volunteer opportunities faster.
These changes would allow police services to process vulnerable sector checks for applicants outside their jurisdiction, helping to reduce backlogs during periods of high demand and improving efficiency while maintaining strong safeguards to protect vulnerable people.
Ontario Making it Easier for Families To Access Critical Vaccines
We are delivering on our plan to make it more convenient for people to access the care they need.
These changes will allow pharmacists across Ontario to administer an additional six vaccines and prescribe for nine more common ailments, making pharmacies a one-stop location for convenient, everyday care.
Ontario Lands Largest Canadian Mining Investment
After aggressively accelerating Ontario’s mine permitting system, our government landed the one of the largest mining investment in Canadian history.
Ontario has secured a $14B investment from Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, supporting over 5,700 good-paying jobs across its two mines.
Our plan under Premier Ford has propelled Ontario into Canada’s #1 jurisdiction for mining investment.
Increasing Adult Correctional Capacity
Minister Michael Kerzner unveiled our government’s $3 billion plan to add more than 2,500 adult correctional beds across Ontario.
This expansion will support the hiring of 700+ new correctional staff and help to ensure violent offenders stay off our streets and behind bars where they belong.
This includes an additional 117 beds to the Thunder Bay Correctional Facility!
Strengthening Private and International Adoption Protections in Ontario
Our government is taking action to strengthen oversight of adoptions and better protect the well-being of children.
This announcement will establish stronger safeguards and help ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality adoption services across the province.
Boosting Local Manufacturing and Creating Jobs
Our government continues to stand up for workers across tariff impacted industries.
Through a $306M investment supported by our government, Tenaris will expand their steel operations, while creating and protecting 1,000 jobs in Sault Ste. Marie.
Building the Most Competitive Workforce in the G7
We’re taking the next step in our $6.4B plan to strengthen Ontario’s postsecondary sector and connect students to good-paying jobs and careers.
We launched a call for proposals to fund 40K new postsecondary seats to meet regional labour market needs and build the workforce communities rely on.
Since February, we’ve funded 30K seats across the province, investing $1.7B to protect Ontario’s highly skilled workforce.
Strengthening Ontario's Defence Sector
Our government unveiled its framework for the first-ever Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy.
The proposed 10-year strategy could help create 43,000 good-paying jobs, while strengthening Ontario's role as a trusted defence supplier for Canada and our allies.
