Year: 2013

Is Health Minister sweeping Ornge under the rug? Barrett questions lack of oversight at Ornge

For immediate release: March 21, 2013 Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says more cost overruns at Ornge speak to the Health Minister’s continued lack of oversight with the air ambulance agency. “Yesterday at public accounts, the replacement for Chris Mazza, Dr. Andrew McCallum, confirmed Ornge air ambulance has gone in the red by … Continue reading “Is Health Minister sweeping Ornge under the rug? Barrett questions lack of oversight at Ornge”

A possible Great Lakes Asian carp invasion?

By MPP Toby Barrett Our Great Lakes are facing challenges – we see the impact of low water and high phosphorus levels, and, more recently, have become aware of the potential devastating impact stemming from the threat of an Asian carp invasion. The overwhelming concern with Asian carp – bighead carp and the jumping silver … Continue reading “A possible Great Lakes Asian carp invasion?”

Opposition will scrap plan for 29 new casinos “Build on what we have at the tracks,” Barrett

For Immediate Release March 15, 2013 Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the Official Opposition will build partnerships with the horse racing industry, and encourage it to thrive. “People in Haldimand-Norfolk, and across Ontario for that matter, are concerned with the Wynne government’s decision to end the slots at racetracks, Barrett said. “Instead we … Continue reading “Opposition will scrap plan for 29 new casinos “Build on what we have at the tracks,” Barrett”

Barrett champions gas tax fairness for all – including rural – Ontario

For immediate release: March 13, 2013 Queens Park – “Everybody who pays gas tax in this province has a right to get some benefit from it.” That, according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett as he joined Opposition members in passing PC MPP John Yakabuski’s Private Members Bill, Gas Tax Fairness For All Act, 2013, through … Continue reading “Barrett champions gas tax fairness for all – including rural – Ontario”

Ornge Air Ambulance – who is minding the store?

By MPP Toby Barrett We have government for a number of reasons – one being to ensure taxpayers’ money going to government programs is being used appropriately. This has not been the case with the convoluted program known as Ornge. Investigation of the scandal surrounding Ornge air ambulance has been on hiatus for the past … Continue reading “Ornge Air Ambulance – who is minding the store?”

A new fiscal reality requires a new approach

A new fiscal reality requires a new approach By MPP Toby BarrettWe face a new fiscal reality in Ontario and we have to be prepared to take a new approach. We face the biggest jobs and debt crisis of our lifetime. This crisis requires confident and meaningful action. Last week I attended meetings of the … Continue reading “A new fiscal reality requires a new approach”

MPP Barrett introduces Social Assistance Programs Consolidation Act

Opposition Social Services Critic calls for merger of OW and ODSP at the local level FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK – Following more than a year of consultation, roundtable discussions, and three separate reports calling for the merger of Welfare and Disability in Ontario, the Official Opposition Critic to Social Services has … Continue reading “MPP Barrett introduces Social Assistance Programs Consolidation Act”

Throne Speech–the song remains the same

By MPP Toby Barrett “meet the new boss, same as the old boss” – Pete Townsend As Lieutenant Governor David Onley closed the book on the Throne Speech, it was clear that while some faces may have changed, the song remains the same for a government bent on overspending and underdelivering to the people of … Continue reading “Throne Speech–the song remains the same”

Cover up continues as more gas plant documents revealed

Billions spent on plant relocation scandal while Nanticoke prepares for closure: Barrett FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 21, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK – When Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli rose in the House Thursday to announce there were additional documents to be released regarding the pre-election cancellation of Oakville and Mississauga gas plants it was the latest about-face … Continue reading “Cover up continues as more gas plant documents revealed”

Empty words in the Throne Speech fail to address jobs crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the empty words and feel-good statements of the Wynne Throne Speech do little to fix a continued made-in-Ontario jobs and debt crisis. “It’s more of the same overspending, overpromising, government direction that has run this province into a dead end,” Barrett … Continue reading “Empty words in the Throne Speech fail to address jobs crisis”