Year: 2013

Petitions continue in face of half-hearted tire-tax backtrack: Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2013 Simcoe – While rural outrage has pushed government to rethink its attempt to charge a 2,000 per cent eco tax increase on tractor tires, the amended tire tally continues to hit farmers according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. Barrett says petitions are continuing to circulate following in the two … Continue reading “Petitions continue in face of half-hearted tire-tax backtrack: Barrett”

How would Margaret Thatcher address our economy?

By MPP Toby Barrett Last week the world recognized the passing of the iron-willed Margaret Thatcher, the first female British Prime Minister and iconic figure once described as, “perhaps the most admired, hated, fascinating, boring, radical and conservative leader in the Western world.” While opinions vary on her politics, there is little argument she was … Continue reading “How would Margaret Thatcher address our economy?”

More “talking”, no details on needed social service reform Barrett draws Premier into late show debate on unanswered questions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK – A day after receiving zero details on the Premier’s intentions on social service reform, Opposition Critic Toby Barrett’s late show debate saw the Premier fill five minutes with more talk and no indication of action. “I note from the outset that my dissatisfaction results from the … Continue reading “More “talking”, no details on needed social service reform Barrett draws Premier into late show debate on unanswered questions”

Taxpayers, municipalities lose as NDP-Liberal axis blocks Capacity to Pay Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2013 Simcoe – “A slap in the face.” That’s how Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett characterized a Liberal-NDP tag-team to defeat a bill that would have restored sanity to a broken arbitration system that forces unaffordable settlements for municipal government workers on taxpayers. “Ontario can create jobs again,” MPP Toby Barrett … Continue reading “Taxpayers, municipalities lose as NDP-Liberal axis blocks Capacity to Pay Act”

We can ignite a comeback for rural communities

By MPP Toby Barrett The economy of Haldimand, Norfolk and much of Ontario is still struggling. The good news is there is hope. Rural Ontario has the unrivalled work ethic and the raw materials needed to forge a modern, dynamic economic recovery. The management firm McKinsey & Company, predicts by 2025 emerging countries will spend … Continue reading “We can ignite a comeback for rural communities”

MPP Barrett tribute to the iron-willed Thatcher

For immediate release April 9, 2013 Queens Park –Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett stood in the Ontario Legislature today to recognize the passing of, “one of the most important and influential politicians of the 20th century.” “Across the globe people are recalling the impact and far-reaching international legacy of a shopkeeper’s daughter – the iron willed, … Continue reading “MPP Barrett tribute to the iron-willed Thatcher”

So what should we do when the money runs out?

By MPP Toby Barrett Cyprus has been in the news of late – on the path to join other fiscal and economic basket-cases like Spain and Greece. The island nation has launched an ill-advised ‘tax-the-rich’ scheme potentially subtracting up to 30 per cent of the money in people’s bank accounts over $125,000. In 2001, Spain … Continue reading “So what should we do when the money runs out?”

Barrett launches farm tire tax petition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, April 3, 2013 NELLES CORNERS  –  Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett joined his Opposition colleagues in launching a petition calling on the government to stop increases to Ontario Tire Stewardship fees for agriculture tires that were scheduled to start on April 1. “This is not an April Fool’s joke,” Barrett said. “Having … Continue reading “Barrett launches farm tire tax petition”

Ontario benefits from a strong agri-food economy

By MPP Toby Barrett Agriculture is a major component of our local and provincial economy as well as our social and cultural life. And we are all in need of a constant reminder of the importance of agriculture and food – a sector that rivals auto. Agri-food accounts for $7 billion in wages and salaries … Continue reading “Ontario benefits from a strong agri-food economy”

Farmers bear brunt of new farm tire taxes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 22, 2013 Simcoe – Famers are being asked to bear the brunt of paying down years of financial mismanagement, as government has moved to drastically increase tire recycling fees – in some case by as much as 2,200%. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett notes that the new round of government’s eco-fee … Continue reading “Farmers bear brunt of new farm tire taxes”