Hydro – things you find out after the election

By MPP Toby Barrett Two weeks after the last ballot was cast, we in Ontario learned of approvals for more electricity increases. The same day we also heard we may soon be paying the highest price for electricity in the developed world. According to energy analyst Parker Gallant, and University of Guelph’s Glenn Fox, the … Continue reading “Hydro – things you find out after the election”

Barrett opposes possible provincial gun registry/handgun ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2011 SIMCOE – In the wake of the federal government introducing legislation to end Canada’s long gun registry, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is adamant Ontario does not introduce a provincial registry. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews introduced Bill C-19 – the legislation that will dismantle the long gun registry – … Continue reading “Barrett opposes possible provincial gun registry/handgun ban”

What can we expect from a minority government?

By MPP Toby Barrett After finally seeing the end of three minority governments federally, it looks like people in Ontario are about to get a reminder of what minority leadership means provincially. Ontario has seen elections create minorities in 1975 and 1977 – the last being in 1985, following the retirement of longtime Premier Bill … Continue reading “What can we expect from a minority government?”

Time to roll up our sleeves and deal with issues

By MPP Toby Barrett Now that the election has reached the finish line, it’s vital we don’t lose the ideas generated at the doors, at debates, and at our local fairs. I’m concerned minority leadership may mean continued government inability to understand and meet the needs of rural and small town Ontario. While minority governments … Continue reading “Time to roll up our sleeves and deal with issues”

Ontario’s wheel of tax again keeps on turning

By MPP Toby Barrett WC: 646 – 96 to cut “In the last election I told Ontarians I wouldn’t raise their taxes, and I broke that promise. I did raise their taxes.” (Dalton McGuinty, 2007) As we head into a month of concern, issues and input across the province of Ontario, I remain concerned that … Continue reading “Ontario’s wheel of tax again keeps on turning”

It seems to be about paying the bills and taxes

By MPP Toby Barrett My discussions over the summer with people across Haldimand and Norfolk seem to centre on pocket-book issues – paying the bills, taxes and even concerns about hanging on to one’s home. People feel they cannot afford the additional HST on electricity and home heating fuel, and the debt retirement charge on … Continue reading “It seems to be about paying the bills and taxes”

Let’s improve municipal – provincial relationship

By MPP Toby Barrett Municipal governments have a difficult job to do, balancing demand for services and the tax base. Given the challenges of recent years, local governments have had to make some tough decisions. Of course, budget management is even more difficult when many of the costs are outside of direct local control. Take … Continue reading “Let’s improve municipal – provincial relationship”

Ontario green jobs blowing in the wind?

By MPP Toby Barrett Following recent weeks of wind powered photo-ops and measures to further entrench unaffordable wind and solar power contracts, it’s clear government is refusing to listen. In the face of protests, petitions and at least 80 municipalities demanding a wind energy moratorium – a moratorium we in Opposition have advocated in the … Continue reading “Ontario green jobs blowing in the wind?”

Cut red tape for productivity and prosperity

By MPP Toby Barrett Next to taxes, regulation is the predominant tool used by government to influence people’s behaviour. And while no one will argue the value of regulation with respect to health or safety or our environment, a serious problem exists for Ontario’s economy and prosperity because of overregulation. According to the Canadian Federations … Continue reading “Cut red tape for productivity and prosperity”

Barrett decries government wind manipulation, McGuinty pre-election FIT and Samsung tinkering costing Ontario families

For Immediate Release: August 4, 2011 Simcoe – Following two days of McGuinty manipulation to further entrench unaffordable wind and solar power contracts, it’s clear this government just refuses to listen. That according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett who indicates the clear petty political games being played on wind energy policy in the run-up to … Continue reading “Barrett decries government wind manipulation, McGuinty pre-election FIT and Samsung tinkering costing Ontario families”