Year: 2012

Barrett Private Members Bill puts a cap on public sector increases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2012 QUEEN’S PARK — People getting paid by the taxpayers shouldn’t get a better deal than the taxpayers themselves. That according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett following introduction of his private members bill last week, Bill 94 – Addressing Ontario’s Debt Through Alternatives to Public Sector Layoffs and Program Cuts … Continue reading “Barrett Private Members Bill puts a cap on public sector increases”

Let’s find alternatives to layoffs and program cuts

By MPP Toby Barrett On May 16th, I introduced my Private Members Bill titled: An Act to address Ontario’s debt through alternatives to public sector layoffs and government program cuts while reducing the fiscal pressure on the people of Ontario who are having trouble paying their bills. This legislation offers options for tackling runaway spending … Continue reading “Let’s find alternatives to layoffs and program cuts”

Barrett Private Members Bill proposes public sector pension change

For immediate release: May 22, 2012 QUEEN’S PARK — Haldimand-Norfolk’s MPP says his private members bill to control public sector compensation could mean changes to public sector pensions. In detailing steps toward limiting compensation, Toby Barrett’s bill, Addressing Ontario’s Debt Through Alternatives to Public Sector Layoffs and Program Cuts Act, 2012, cites the option of … Continue reading “Barrett Private Members Bill proposes public sector pension change”

Barrett tackles debt through limits to public sector compensation

For immediate release: May 16, 2012   QUEEN’S PARK — With public sector labour costs accounting for over half of all Ontario government program spending, Haldimand-Norfolk’s MPP has taken steps to address McGuinty’s predicted $411.4 Ontario debt with alternatives to the spectre of layoffs and program cuts. “This Act amends the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining … Continue reading “Barrett tackles debt through limits to public sector compensation”

Ontario’s risky gamble with horse racing funds

By MPP Toby Barrett A few weeks ago, my son Brett and I drove down to Lexington for the Opening Day at Keeneland. Kentucky is one state with a deep appreciation for Ontario’s horse racing industry – for example, there is a statue of Northern Dancer at the Kentucky Horse Park. And as we now … Continue reading “Ontario’s risky gamble with horse racing funds”

Energy Minister shuts down petitioners’ wind moratorium demands

For Immediate Release May 11, 2012 Queen’s Park – A Minister’s response to demands of petitioners across the province for a wind-power moratorium indicates government has no plans to change its unsustainable and unwanted energy direction any time soon. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett received the response after reading in petitions on behalf of residents in … Continue reading “Energy Minister shuts down petitioners’ wind moratorium demands”

Heading for highest hydro rates in North America

By MPP Toby Barrett As the cost of electricity climbs because of green energy schemes, people continue to fight the conga-line of industrial wind turbines snaking around rural Ontario. Locally, opponents to the Next Era Summerhaven Wind project in Haldimand County are pursuing a legal challenge. Haldimand Wind Concerns and Bill Monture of Six Nations … Continue reading “Heading for highest hydro rates in North America”

First S&P, now Moody’s downgrade of Ontario’s credit

By MPP Toby Barrett While Premier McGuinty was busy celebrating the passing of the 2012 budget and his “tax-the-rich” scheme, two world-renowned credit rating agencies were poised to wallop the Premier with some bad news. Last Wednesday, Standard and Poor’s downgraded Ontario’s economic outlook from stable to negative, and just a day later the other … Continue reading “First S&P, now Moody’s downgrade of Ontario’s credit”

Priorities not reflected in government legislation

By MPP Toby Barrett As Ontario’s minority government pulled us closer to the precipice of an election – with a projected $30.2 billion deficit – actual work on proposed legislation had virtually ground to a halt. While people I talk to express ardent concern about jobs, the economy, electricity hikes, horse racing and wind turbines, … Continue reading “Priorities not reflected in government legislation”

Ontario’s budget is going down the wrong path

By MPP Toby Barrett “In my job I try, every day, to imagine Ontario as I’d like it to be. A place with a hopeful future. Where opportunities abound for people willing to work hard, and take risks to succeed. A place that offers the highest quality of life available anywhere.” – Opposition Leader Tim … Continue reading “Ontario’s budget is going down the wrong path”