Small businesses and farms drive our economy

By MPP Toby Barrett Small businesses and farms form the backbone of our economy. They are the sources of not only jobs and opportunity, but also the innovation and risk-taking that comprise a strong, modern economy. Small businesses and farms must have every possible advantage to succeed and grow. They are our engines of growth, … Continue reading “Small businesses and farms drive our economy”

21st century requires 21st century education

By MPP Toby Barrett As a former teacher and the son and grandson of teachers, I’m convinced of the opportunities created for citizens through education. Regardless of background, every student needs access to skills and knowledge for a fair start in life; to do their best, and to be better prepared for the work world … Continue reading “21st century requires 21st century education”

Improvements to highways 6 and 24 en route; MTO study for local road rehabilitation on its way

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2011 Simcoe – The Ministry of Transportation is scheduling necessary upgrades to Highways 6 and 24 in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. Following a series of letters to Ministers of Transportation in recent years Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is hopeful MTO’s contracting of Stantec to do a detail design and Class … Continue reading “Improvements to highways 6 and 24 en route; MTO study for local road rehabilitation on its way”

Farmers frustrated with unnecessary regulations

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2011 STRAFFORDVILLE – Elgin and Norfolk County farmers told Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Elgin-Middlesex-London PC candidate Jeff Yurek of the frustrations they face. Individual producers and representatives of farm groups met Thursday at Kristen’s Kitchen in Straffordville to explain some of the challenges they face. Risk management, rising energy prices and … Continue reading “Farmers frustrated with unnecessary regulations”

Farmers suffocated by a blanket of red tape

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2011 LEAMINGTON – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett and Chatham-Kent-Essex PC Candidate Rick Nicholls heard red tape is smothering Leamington-area farmers during a meeting today. Ten farmers met with Barrett and Nicholls at CF Greenhouses, a potted plant operation in Leamington, as part of Barrett’s tour of western Lake Erie to … Continue reading “Farmers suffocated by a blanket of red tape”

Demands for public input extension on Capital Power wind towers successful; concerned citizens granted a second thirty-day window for comment on Port Dover/Nanticoke project

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2011 Ridgetown – Almost two weeks after writing a letter to the Minister asking government to allow adequate time for public input on the Capital Power Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Barrett has confirmed the window for comment has been extended another month. “The timing of the original government … Continue reading “Demands for public input extension on Capital Power wind towers successful; concerned citizens granted a second thirty-day window for comment on Port Dover/Nanticoke project”

Barrett and resident requests for public input extension on Capital Power wind towers successful; concerned citizens granted a second thirty day window for comment on Port Dover/Nanticoke project

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2011 Ridgetown – Almost two weeks after writing a letter to the Minister asking government allow adequate time for public input on the Capital Power Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project, Haldimand-Norfolk’s MPP has confirmed the window for comment has been extended another month. “The timing of the original government EBR posting … Continue reading “Barrett and resident requests for public input extension on Capital Power wind towers successful; concerned citizens granted a second thirty day window for comment on Port Dover/Nanticoke project”

Creating a safer Ontario for families

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2011 SIMCOE – Tracking sex offenders will make Ontario families and children safer. GPS technology would allow law enforcement officials to track what street a sexual predator is on. Police would be able to monitor sex offenders and, if needed, stop them from entering an area where there could be … Continue reading “Creating a safer Ontario for families”

Everyone deserves quality, reliable health care

By MPP Toby Barrett Of all the services provided by the provincial level of government, health care consistently remains the number one priority for people in Ontario. Every family expects high quality health care to be there when they need it. Health sector spending accounts for about 46 cents of every tax dollar allocated. But, … Continue reading “Everyone deserves quality, reliable health care”

Government transparency, accountability lacking

By MPP Toby Barrett In the past week, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has called on the McGuinty government to lift the veil of secrecy following his investigations revealing a lack of transparency and accountability. As anyone familiar with the Ombudsman’s Office knows, its role is to ensure government works in the best interests of its … Continue reading “Government transparency, accountability lacking”