MPP Holland's September 2026 Community Update
Monthly Recap | September 2026
Featured News
Welcome back to school!
Wishing students, teachers, staff and families across Thunder Bay–Atikokan a great start to the new school year.
Dad Joke of the Month
"Why did the Scarecrow become a successful neurosurgeon? Because he was outstanding in his field."
What's New! - Announcements & Investments
Helping Community Agencies Support Ontario Families
Ontario is investing $356,500 to support critical repairs and upgrades at seven community agencies across the Thunder Bay Region.
This funding will help local organizations maintain safe, accessible and reliable spaces while continuing to deliver important services to individuals and families across our region.
Thunder Bay HART Hub Grand Opening
The HART Hub is an important part of improving access to care and support for people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges and substance use issues in our community.
By bringing housing supports, primary and community care, mental health and addiction services, cultural supports, case management and other services together under one roof, the HART Hub will help people connect with the support they need more easily and in a more coordinated way.
Thank you to NorWest Community Health Centres and all of the local organizations, service providers, staff, partners and volunteers who have worked together to make this new space possible and who continue to support people in need across Thunder Bay.
Services and Supports for Ontario Small Businesses
In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is supporting small businesses in Thunder Bay - Atikokan.
We’re investing $313,516 in Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre to give entrepreneurs the tools, advice and resources they need to start, grow and succeed.
Ontario Expanding Trans-Canada Highway Near Nipigon
I was pleased to join Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and Minister George Pirie to announce that the Shuniah Truck Inspection Station is moving to 24/7 operations, strengthening commercial vehicle enforcement and helping keep our northern highways safer around the clock.
This builds on continued improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway, with construction underway to widen another 5 kilometres between McGuire Road and Coughlin Road near Nipigon, including two new bridges across the Black Sturgeon River.
Together, these improvements are important steps toward a safer, more reliable transportation corridor that connects our communities, supports local industries and keeps goods moving across Northwestern Ontario and the rest of Canada.
Ministry Announcements and News
Ontario Investing Over $17 Million to Protect Forestry Jobs in the North
In Chapleau, I was joined by MPP Rosenberg to announce more than $17.3 million to support four projects that will strengthen the resiliency of Ontario’s forest sector and protect good-paying jobs.
Together, these projects will protect more than 320 direct jobs and support more than 600 indirect and induced jobs across Northeastern Ontario.
As President Trump’s unfair tariffs and duties put pressure on communities, our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector will continue to guide investment in the workers and businesses that anchor this cornerstone industry.
Ontario Investing More Than $5 Million to Create Good-Paying Forestry Jobs in Espanola
In Espanola, I was joined by MPP Bill Rosenberg to announce a $5.1 million investment in Bioveld North, helping advance plans for a potential restart of this anchor mill.
This investment has the potential to bring hundreds of direct and indirect jobs back to local communities in northeastern Ontario.
With President Trump’s unfair tariffs and duties hitting communities on both sides of the border, our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector will encourage innovation, enhance competitiveness and build resiliency for this cornerstone industry.
Forest Industry Roundtable
We helan industry-focused roundtable discussion in Toronto to begin consultation on developing an Export Diversification Plan, a commitment in our recently launched Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector.
Global Buyers Mission BC
At the Global Buyers Mission in BC, I welcomed the opportunity to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada Wood Group to support Ontario companies in export market development and trade promotion.
It was great to sit down with Ontario companies here to listen to their experiences and get feedback as we consult on a new Export Diversification Plan, a key action in our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector.
Global Buyers Mission Trade Floor
It was great to walk the Trade Floor at the Global Buyers Mission to support our great Ontario companies connect with international buyers.
In the face of Trump’s unfair tariffs and duties, our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector is committed to boosting export trade diversification and making sure our cornerstone industry is ready to adapt and grow.
BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar
It was great to catch up with BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar at the Global Buyers Mission.
We had a good discussion on Ontario and British Columbia’s shared resolve to protect our cornerstone forest communities against Trump’s unfair tariffs and duties that impact families and businesses on both sides of the border.
Weyerhaeuser Tour
While in British Columbiawe stopped by Weyerhaeuser to see their operations firsthand.
Thank you to David Graham, President of Weyerhaeuser Company Limited, for the opportunity to connect and share perspectives on forestry across B.C. and Ontario.
Ontario Investing More Than $2.5 Million to Protect Good-Paying Forestry Jobs in Thunder Bay
I joined Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper to announce more investments that support the workers and businesses that power Ontario’s forest sector.
Our government is investing more than $2.5 million in local forestry projects, protecting over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Ontario Investing Over $1.1 Million in Indigenous Forestry Projects
I was happy to be at Lake Nipigon Forest Management to announce more than $1.1 million for five Indigenous-led forestry projects across Northern Ontario.
The five projects in Constance Lake First Nation, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Webequie First Nation, Wanagekong Biiwega’iganan Clean Energy Corporation and Kasabonika Lake First Nation have the potential to create more than 200 good-paying jobs and generate demand for more than 100,000 tonnes of underused forest biomass each year.
Local Ministry Of Natural Resources' Office Visit
Thank you to the team at our local MNR office for taking the time to show me around and share more about their forestry work!
It was nice to meet the local team, learn more about the work they do and see firsthand the important work happening right here in Thunder Bay to support Ontario’s forests and natural resources.
Stella-Jones Tour
I had the chance to tour the Stella-Jones facility in Guelph and see firsthand how Ontario-made wood products are helping support the electricity, telecommunications, and transportation networks we rely on every day.
Community Spotlight - Local Events, Awards
Hymers Fair
For generations, the Hymers Fair has been a special tradition that brings people together to celebrate agriculture, local talent and the strong community spirit we have here in Northwestern Ontario.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors and everyone who helped make this year’s fair another great success. Your hard work keeps this tradition going strong year after year!
CEN CAN 2026
CEN CAN continues to be a great showcase of the industries that drive Northern Ontario’s economy.
The trade floor brought together businesses and industry leaders from across the mining, forestry, construction and heavy equipment sectors, highlighting the innovation, expertise and opportunities we have here in the North.
Minister Stephen Lecce and PA David Smith also joined industry representatives for a roundtable discussion and made remarks on supporting resource development and strengthening the sector.
CEN CAN Gala
The gala was a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, businesses and partners from across the mining sector who are helping drive growth and opportunity across the North.
2026 OPP Northwest Region Awards Ceremony
It was an honour to share our government’s appreciation for the outstanding work of this year’s recipients and to recognize their bravery, dedication and commitment to serving others.
From communities like Sioux Lookout and Atikokan to communities across Northwestern Ontario, these officers and civilians have gone above and beyond to help individuals and families, protect their communities and help those in need.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, and thank you for everything you do each and every day.
Neebing Decontamination Facility Grand Opening
Congratulations to the community of Municipality of Neebing on the grand opening of its new decontamination station!
This new facility will help firefighters safely decontaminate fire trucks and equipment after responding to calls, helping reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and supporting the health and safety of our local firefighters.
Fire Con 2026
I had the opportunity to stop by Fire Con 2026 to connect with fire service leaders and see this year’s firefighters take part in hands-on training.
It was great to see so many familiar faces, speak with firefighters from across the region and learn more about the latest equipment, technology and advancements supporting the fire service.
2026 International Plowing Match
The IPM was a great opportunity to connect with farmers, producers, rural leaders and organizations from across Ontario while celebrating the people and industries that help make rural communities strong.
From agriculture and agri-business to the equipment, innovation and expertise on display, it was great to see the work being done across rural Ontario.
Provincial Initiatives
Ontario Launches Student and Family Support Offices in the Thunder Bay Region
Parents deserve a clear way to raise concerns and get answers about their child's education.
Our government is launching Student and Family Support Offices at all 72 school boards, including those across the Thunder Bay region, to help families get the support they need.
Ontario Expanding Eligibility for Tariff Support Programs
Our government will always protect Ontario’s businesses and workers.
With newly announced U.S. tariffs and import bans, we are fighting back by expanding eligibility for financial support to help impacted businesses stay competitive and resilient.
Ontario Funding 40,000 New Postsecondary Seats to Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers
We’re creating more opportunities for students to gain the skills they need to land in-demand careers that build stronger communities.
Our government has invested $1.7B to fund 70K more seats in STEM, teaching, nursing and trades, including $90M to fund 4,200 more seats at colleges and universities across Northern Ontario.
Ontario Investing an Additional $20 Million to Strengthen Wildland Firefighting
We will never spare a single penny when it comes to forest fire response.
Our government is investing $20 million to upgrade the Vedette and Socket Lake Forward Attack Bases, essential hubs for our fire response in Northwestern Ontario. This builds on our $1.5 billion investment in wildland fire fighting since 2018.
Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for Medical Education
Applications open for the Medical Education stream of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant! Backed by a $220M investment, we’re covering the educational costs of more than 2,000 future family doctors who agree to practice in Ontario after graduation.
Since we launched OLSG, we’ve invested over $58M to pay for the education of more than 4,000 paramedics, nurses and medical lab techs in Northern Ontario!
From doctors to health care providers, we’re bringing highly skilled workers to the communities that need them most.
Ontario Supporting New $410 Million Critical Mineral Processing Facility in Marathon
Our government is doubling down on our plan to make Ontario a global leader in critical minerals by building a strong supply chain here at home.
With support from the Critical Mineral Processing Fund, Generation Mining’s $410M investment will strengthen Ontario’s domestic refining capacity and help attract new, job-creating investments across the economy.
Ontario Developing New Training Requirements for Truck Drivers
We’re raising the bar for commercial driver training in Ontario.
Our government is developing stronger, standardized training requirements to ensure truck drivers have the skills and experience they need to safely operate on our roads.
Ontario Protecting Communities from Respiratory Illnesses
As respiratory illness season approaches, our government is continuing to take action to protect our communities.
Flu and COVID-19 immunizations are available for high-risk groups starting the week of September 28 and on October 26 for the general public.
Ontario Delivering Results in Fight Against Auto Theft
Auto theft is down across Ontario, but we’re not letting up.
Our government is investing an additional $6 million to give police the tools and resources they need to go after organized criminals, disrupt auto theft networks and protect Ontario communities.
Ontario Launches Call for Proposals to Connect 600,000 More People to Primary Care
We hit another major milestone in our plan to connect every person in Ontario to a family doctor or primary care team!
We launched the next call for proposals to connect 600,000 more Ontarians to primary care, closer to home.
Ontario Protecting Workers and Businesses From Latest U.S. Trade Actions
Our government will always protect Ontario's workers and businesses.
We're expanding the Protect Ontario Financing Program to support sectors hit by the latest U.S. import ban, while continuing to back businesses still facing previous tariffs, including the steel and aluminum sectors, so workers can stay on the job.
Ontario and Webequie First Nation Award Contract for Webequie Supply Road
Our government has awarded a construction manager contract for the Webequie Supply Road!
We’re protecting Ontario by unlocking access to the Ring of Fire five years sooner than originally planned – supporting thousands of good-paying jobs across the region and driving economic growth.
