Energy is economic policy, not a social program

By MPP Toby Barrett Reliable and affordable energy, free from political interference, is fundamental to a thriving economy. And it starts by treating energy as an economic policy, not a social program. It’s not the role of government to micro-manage the day-to-day technical decisions in any sector of the economy. Government’s responsibility is to promote … Continue reading “Energy is economic policy, not a social program”

Cut spending, taxes; boost trade, the trades

By MPP Toby Barrett Over the past year since being re-elected as your MPP, we’ve seen some surprising and unprecedented developments within our provincial government – the Premier’s decision to shut down parliament tops the list. And while we in Opposition push for a return of the Ontario Legislature, we continue to work on plans … Continue reading “Cut spending, taxes; boost trade, the trades”

Opposition white paper on sustainable retirement security to reintroduce fairness, affordability to provincial pensions – Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 20, 2012 Queens Park: Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says new plans for pension reform announced by the Official Opposition will take significant steps to remedy pension unfairness and concerns over growing unfunded liability for the province of Ontario. Barrett made the comments following the release of Paths to Prosperity: Sustainable Retirement … Continue reading “Opposition white paper on sustainable retirement security to reintroduce fairness, affordability to provincial pensions – Barrett”

Scandals simmer, jobs and debt crises grow during Queens Park prorogation One month later – Opposition bolsters push for Legislature recall

For immediate release: November 15, 2012 Simcoe — There are 600,000 women and men in Ontario who didn’t have a job to go to this morning, hoping their elected officials can help turn our province’s economy around – yet this morning, like every other morning for the past month, those hopes have been dashed by … Continue reading “Scandals simmer, jobs and debt crises grow during Queens Park prorogation One month later – Opposition bolsters push for Legislature recall”

Thousands of horses and 60,000 jobs are at risk

By MPP Toby Barrett Imagine if 7,500 to 13,000 horses had to be put down. As sickening as the thought is, the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel interim report has recommended provision be made for the humane dispatch and disposal of that many horses if nothing changes to assist the horse racing industry. The sad … Continue reading “Thousands of horses and 60,000 jobs are at risk”

Hardeman and Barrett hold winery roundtable

For immediate release November 9, 2012 ST. WILLIAMS – Today, Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and PC Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Toby Barrett, MPP Haldimand- Norfolk held a roundtable to hear from local wineries about the challenges they are facing and what would help them grow their businesses. “This roundtable is an … Continue reading “Hardeman and Barrett hold winery roundtable”

Peer reviewed wind turbine study points to health risks – Barrett

For Immediate Release November 8, 2012 “Current regulations seem to be insufficient to adequately protect the human population living close to IWTs.” (Queen’s Park)— Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is joining the Opposition Deputy Critic for Energy in highlighting findings of a study titled, Effects of industrial wind turbine noise on sleep and health, co-authored by … Continue reading “Peer reviewed wind turbine study points to health risks – Barrett”

The hope and horror of war – we will remember

By MPP Toby Barrett Last week I had an opportunity to tour the Canadian War Museum – a mammoth exhibition of battle since earliest times. The photos and exhibits tell a story of fear and courage, sacrifice and survival, humanity, brutality, violence, and hatred. Early combat was limited to the distance you could throw a … Continue reading “The hope and horror of war – we will remember”

Time to fix a broken social services system

By MPP Toby Barrett We’ve been waiting four years for recommendations on how to fix Ontario’s broken social services system. Last week the Ontario Social Service Review Commission marked the end of two years of input, meetings, deliberations and discussion papers, by presenting its final report, Brighter Prospects: Transforming Social Assistance in Ontario. The report … Continue reading “Time to fix a broken social services system”

Horse racing in race for survival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2012 OTTAWA – Time is of the essence to solve pressing issues facing Ontario’s horse racing industry nine months after the provincial Liberal attempt to annihilate it. The final report of the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel was released Oct. 30, a little more than two months after the draft … Continue reading “Horse racing in race for survival”