THUNDER BAY — The newly-elected MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan would love to get more than a backbench role in the new government of Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Kevin Holland isn't counting on that happening, though, saying his boss has some hard choices to make.
Ford will reveal his selections for heading ministries on Friday morning, with the swearing-in scheduled for 10 o'clock.
In an interview Monday, Holland said "It would be great to be in cabinet...making sure that the concerns and issues for our riding and for Northwestern Ontario in general are front and centre."
It's widely expected that the new cabinet will be larger than the previous one, which had 28 members from a Conservative party caucus of 76.
This time, there are 83 people in the caucus.
Holland said he appreciates that Ford has a difficult job deciding which MPPs should be promoted.
"It's a large caucus that he has to choose from, but I'm hopeful. And whatever Premier Ford decides to do, I'll respect that and just continue to do the best job for the residents."
Regional representation is a key consideration for any premier in choosing a cabinet.
In the previous government, Northern Ontario had three MPP's in cabinet, including Kenora-Rainy River's Greg Rickford, Sault Ste. Marie's Ross Romano, and Vic Fedeli from Nipissing.
There is speculation Ford might give a portfolio to former Timmins Mayor George Pirie, who knocked off long-time NDP MPP Gilles Bisson in the June 2nd election.
If Holland doesn't make it to the cabinet, the former mayor of the Township of Conmee potentially could be named a parliamentary assistant to a minister.
Regardless of the premier's decision, he said, he's just excited to get to Queen's Park to get to work on behalf of his constituents.
"My experience as mayor for the last 31 years has provided me with good insight. What's working in Southern Ontario can work in Northwestern Ontario. We just need to be making adjustments so the intended policy and legislation is working for all regions of the province."
Holland attended an orientation session at the legislature last week.
For at least the time being, he has set up his constituency office in the George Street office of former NDP MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell.
