The 2014 election ended Ontario’s minority government

By MPP Toby Barrett Time has run out on 2014. From a provincial political perspective, the past year can be nicely divided on either side of the June election. And as we enter the new year, we still have the potential to get Ontario working again. We can weather a painful transition to a new, … Continue reading “The 2014 election ended Ontario’s minority government”

We can reflect on the WWI Christmas truce of 1914

By MPP Toby Barrett As we near the 100th anniversary of the first Christmas of World War I, there is a story of humanity that was found in the trenches. In one of the most extraordinary episodes of modern warfare – the Christmas Truce of 1914 – opposing soldiers saw their enemies not as monsters … Continue reading “We can reflect on the WWI Christmas truce of 1914”

More needed to make Haldimand, Norfolk roads safer

By MPP Toby Barrett The recent debate of Bill 31, Make Ontario’s Road Safer Act, raises some issues that hit close to home in regards to road safety. While this government talks road safety, Native protestors have again shut down construction of the Cayuga bridge – an important safety and transportation issue. During debate of … Continue reading “More needed to make Haldimand, Norfolk roads safer”

Barrett praises federal invasive species regulations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett welcomed the new federal aquatic invasive species regulations. Announced Friday, the new regulations will prohibit the importation, possession, transportation and release in Canada of four species of Asian carp, zebra and quagga mussels. Ontario was a leader in prohibiting Asian carp, but … Continue reading “Barrett praises federal invasive species regulations”

Cayuga bridge is about safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 11, 2014 Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett advocates the Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Corrections to step in on the native-shutdown of the Cayuga bridge reconstruction. During legislative debate of Bill 31, Make Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, Barrett explained both the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and the Minister … Continue reading “Cayuga bridge is about safety”

Auditor General takes government to task on spending, electricity

For immediate release: Dec. 10, 2014  QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario’s Auditor General confirmed Tuesday what Opposition MPPs have been saying about the province’s electricity pricing. In her annual report, Bonnie Lysyk took the government to task for $2 billion spent on Smart Meters without meeting the government’s electricity conservation goals. She also estimated Ontario ratepayers … Continue reading “Auditor General takes government to task on spending, electricity”

Ontario’s security measures updated…somewhat

By MPP Toby Barrett If it’s…possible to start a war in a computer room or a stock exchange that will send an enemy country to its doom, then is there non-battlespace anywhere? If [a] young lad setting out with his orders should ask today, “Where is the battlefield?” the answer would be “Everywhere.” ~ Colonel … Continue reading “Ontario’s security measures updated…somewhat”

PC Critics call for a rigorous scientific and consultative approach to neonics

For Immediate Release: December 9, 2014 London – This morning, PC Critic for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Toby Barrett and PC Critic for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Lisa Thompson held a news conference outside the Pollinator Health meeting in London. The meeting, Pollinator Health: A Proposal for Enhancing … Continue reading “PC Critics call for a rigorous scientific and consultative approach to neonics”

Will government provide mortality insurance to assist beekeepers?

For Immediate Release December 3, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Toby Barrett, Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, questioned the Premier today regarding bee mortality insurance, and asked why Ontario has yet to implement a Manitoba style insurance program to help Ontario beekeepers. “In Manitoba, beekeepers have recently experienced higher than normal bee … Continue reading “Will government provide mortality insurance to assist beekeepers?”

Infectious disease proposals get thumbs-up!

By MPP Toby Barrett During my years in the Ontario Legislature, there haven’t been many times MPPs from all sides of the House have come together to support proposed legislation. Recently, the second reading of my Private Member’s Bill on dealing with Lyme disease and other emerging infectious diseases received all-party support. And last week, … Continue reading “Infectious disease proposals get thumbs-up!”