THUNDER BAY – Although Newly-elected Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland didn’t receive a cabinet position in the Ford Government, the rookie MPP was announced as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on Wednesday.
As the long-time mayor of the Township of Conmee, Holland has plenty of experience in the municipal sector to the role.
Holland hoped he would find a place in the Ford cabinet but also understood the tough competition he was facing.
Considering that Kenora- Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford held the position of Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Resources, and Forestry for the last four years, Rickford was the obvious choice for representing the region’s interests in those sectors.
Even though NDMRF has been split into separate ministries, Rickford’s workload within the Ford cabinet is slightly reduced as the minister of northern development and minister of Indigenous Affairs.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith was appointed as Rickford’s Parliamentary Assistant.
What does this mean for Holland? His role as Parliamentary Assistant for municipal affairs and housing will provide him with more of a public profile as he enters into more parliamentary affairs.
He will support Minister Steve Clark in the position where Holland will be able to build up his portfolio by aiding Clark in the pressing issues of Ontario’s housing crisis.
“I'm honoured to be part of the team of parliamentary assistants that will support the cabinet in delivering the Ford government's ambitious plan to build Ontario,” Holland said on his Facebook page. “As the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, I will support the Minister with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming months to help make Ontario a better place for everyone. Thank you for this opportunity to serve the people of this great province.”
