It’s time to wake up job creation in Ontario

By MPP Toby Barrett With the loss of 300,000 manufacturing jobs since 2003, and an unemployment rate above the national average five years running, Ontario has regrettably become the ‘sick man’ of Canada. Once seen as a place of opportunity and hope – a province that attracted work and hardworking people — Ontario is now … Continue reading “It’s time to wake up job creation in Ontario”

Opposition launches farm survey

For Immediate Release Aug. 2, 2012 Queen’s Park – Ontario’s Official Opposition, through Agriculture Critic and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, has released a survey to look at the steps government should take to support farmers across the province. “We are committed to working with farmers,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “This survey will identify the … Continue reading “Opposition launches farm survey”

Liberals attempt to shut down Ornge hearings, silence critics Barrett calls for Health Minister’s resignation

Aug. 1, 2012 (Queen’s Park) – The McGuinty Liberal government has moved to shut down legislative hearings into the ongoing Ornge air ambulance scandal. Liberal committee member and MPP for Guelph, Liz Sandals, introduced a motion yesterday requesting that the Public Accounts committee cease its questioning of key witnesses and immediately proceed to the report … Continue reading “Liberals attempt to shut down Ornge hearings, silence critics Barrett calls for Health Minister’s resignation”

Farmers can adapt, but can’t beat Mother Nature

By MPP Toby Barrett Summer farm events remind me of a few things about farming, including you can adapt, but when push comes to shove, you can’t beat Mother Nature. Farming is a challenge – something reiterated to me at recent meetings of the Soil and Crop Association, Haldimand-Norfolk Holstein Club and Haldimand Federation of … Continue reading “Farmers can adapt, but can’t beat Mother Nature”

Studies, appeals renew call for wind moratorium

By MPP Toby Barrett Two significant announcements mean an industrial wind-power moratorium is required now more than ever. Last week’s Health Canada decision to examine and report on health impacts from wind turbines coincided with the Environmental Review Tribunal’s (ERT) decision to schedule hearings for six separate appeals of the Haldimand-Samsung wind/solar project. Given the … Continue reading “Studies, appeals renew call for wind moratorium”

City votes trump rural energy concerns

For immediate release: July 20, 2012 “Every circumstance is different” — Finance Minister Dwight Duncan on cancelling power plant in Mississauga while ignoring wind opposition in rural Ontario Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Finance Minister Dwight Duncan’s startling admission that votes in Etobicoke and Mississauga are more important to the Liberals than voices … Continue reading “City votes trump rural energy concerns”

McGuinty Finance Minister out to lunch on coal to gas conversion

For immediate release: July 20, 2012 Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett wonders if McGuinty cabinet ministers have a clue of provincial energy plans after Finance Minister Dwight Duncan provided confusing and completely inaccurate information on the conversion of coal fueled electricity plants to natural gas. During testimony to the Standing Committee on Estimates Thursday, … Continue reading “McGuinty Finance Minister out to lunch on coal to gas conversion”

Mazza testimony underlines Ontario’s disregard for problems at Ornge

For Immediate Release July 19, 2012 Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says testimony from Dr. Christopher Mazza, former CEO of the scandal-plagued Ornge air ambulance service, spells the end of the line for Health Minister Deb Matthews pleas of ignorance. “Dr. Mazza told us yesterday that not only were senior Liberal cabinet ministers … Continue reading “Mazza testimony underlines Ontario’s disregard for problems at Ornge”

Let’s make Ontario’s labour laws fairer for all

By MPP Toby Barrett Over the past 70 years, Ontario’s labour legislation has steadily become out of step with economic realities across our province and the rest of the world. As Canada continues to broaden its trading partnerships with free trade agreements, fewer regulatory burdens and a less intrusive role for government in the economy, … Continue reading “Let’s make Ontario’s labour laws fairer for all”

Preliminary hearing set for Haldimand-Samsung wind/solar appeal Make your voice heard!!

For immediate release: July 13, 2012 Port Dover – Ontario’s Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) will begin consideration of six appeals for the Haldimand-Samsung wind/solar project August 9th. The ERT has announced that “a Preliminary Hearing will be conducted by the Hearing Panel on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 10am in the Council Chambers, Cayuga Administration … Continue reading “Preliminary hearing set for Haldimand-Samsung wind/solar appeal Make your voice heard!!”