Farm tours, plowing matches and policy development

By MPP Toby Barrett With Thanksgiving around the corner reflecting the bounty of harvest, it’s apparent the contribution Ontario farmers make to our lives. As MPP and the Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I get to visit farms, farm shows and meet with farm organizations. Here are a few of the concerns … Continue reading “Farm tours, plowing matches and policy development”

Ontario’s finances continue in wrong direction

For Immediate Release September 22, 2014 Simcoe – Ontario’s deficit continues to go up and up and up, according to the Ontario Government’s Public Accounts Office. Public Accounts has confirmed the deficit rose to $10.5 Billion for fiscal year 2013-14 – up from $9.2 Billion in the previous fiscal year. And, the deficit is forecast … Continue reading “Ontario’s finances continue in wrong direction”

Let’s work through U.S. Steel creditor protection one step at a time: Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 19, 2014   SIMCOE – “Our Opposition Caucus is concerned about the significant news that U.S. Steel Canada has applied for creditor protection,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “I have been in touch with the union, the company and the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Employment, and Infrastructure. It is important … Continue reading “Let’s work through U.S. Steel creditor protection one step at a time: Barrett”

A day to wander about Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

By MPP Toby Barrett My day at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show last week, yet again, reaffirmed the tremendous mechanical and electronic changes in North American agriculture. Our area was well represented at the show by the likes of DeCloet Greenhouses, VandenBussche Irrigation, Cadman Power Equipment, Robert H. Laning, Titan Trailers, R.E. Eggar Truck and Machine, … Continue reading “A day to wander about Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show”

Why isn’t the champion of local food serving up good news?

September 12, 2014 For Immediate Release Simcoe  — Why are people so confused with the status of the Local Food Act? “The part of the legislation that deals with farmers donating to food banks is of most interest,” said Toby Barrett, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and the Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This tax … Continue reading “Why isn’t the champion of local food serving up good news?”

Best parts of Local Food Act are still M.I.A.

By MPP Toby Barrett As we drive the countryside this time of year and see the many crops coming off the fields, it’s apparent we are blessed. We live, work and play in Ontario’s Garden, the Golden Garden – the country’s most diverse agricultural area. Due to our diverse soil types and warmer-than-average climate, growers … Continue reading “Best parts of Local Food Act are still M.I.A.”

Uncertainty swirls with regard to Local Food Act

Barrett and Bailey question politics of the bill September 9, 2014 For Immediate Release OUTDOOR FARM SHOW, WOODSTOCK — Where does the Local Food Act stand? That’s the question MPPs Toby Barrett and Bob Bailey are asking. Despite the Local Food Act being proclaimed some time ago, there are parts of the bill that are still … Continue reading “Uncertainty swirls with regard to Local Food Act”

Barrett calls for action on poverty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 3, 2014 SIMCOE – In the wake of the government releasing its second five-year anti-poverty strategy, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett questioned what will truly be done to assist the less fortunate in society. “The bottom line is over the past 10 years, the poverty rate has gone up, the use of … Continue reading “Barrett calls for action on poverty”

A fall full of local fairs and weekend festivals

By MPP Toby Barrett Port Rowan’s Bayfest and Hagersville’s Summer End are an annual tradition in Haldimand and Norfolk. They are the start of a fall chock full of festivals and other events. The War of 1812 re-enactment at Backus Mill, on September 6 and 7, takes on special significance this year during the bi-centennial … Continue reading “A fall full of local fairs and weekend festivals”

AMO sets the stage for coming municipal election

By MPP Toby Barrett Last week’s annual conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario gave me an opportunity to sit down with elected officials from Pickle Lake to Pelee Island and points in between. As in Haldimand and Norfolk, challenges range from money and red tape, to ensuring an improved municipal provincial relationship. One … Continue reading “AMO sets the stage for coming municipal election”