By MPP Toby Barrett After seeing the cost of electricity double in 10 years, it is projected prices will increase by 40 per cent over the next four years. That’s what we knew prior to June. What we didn’t know, and what every ratepayer should have known, was the situation is bleaker. On the Friday … Continue reading “Generous energy pensions funded by hydro bills”
Year: 2014
By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario’s massive hike in the aviation fuel tax will largely be passed on to passenger ticket prices. The plan announced in the recent budget is to double the current aviation fuel tax from 2.7 cents per liter to 6.7 cents per liter in stages by 2017. The increased tax is set … Continue reading “Aviation fuel tax will cause ticket prices to soar”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 8, 2014 SIMCOE – Statistics Canada’s July jobs report shows Ontario lost 29,300 full time jobs last month. “Clearly, Ontario’s unemployment rate continues to be unacceptably high and the loss of full time jobs last month is a serious concern,” said Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, Minister of Economic Development, Employment, … Continue reading “Ontario loses almost 30,000 full time jobs in July”
For Immediate Release August 6, 2014 Simcoe – Every day taxpayers are finding it increasingly difficult to save and invest, largely because they are paying for unaffordable energy costs and bloated energy agency pensions. Hydro consumers across the province are putting in almost $5 for every $1 employees are contributing to their pensions. “Hydro One … Continue reading “Hydro customers heavily subsidizing energy pensions”
By MPP Toby Barrett “Never, never, never, never give up – Winston Churchill That early morning as we waited on the Port Dover pier for Annaleise Carr’s flotilla to arrive, I had a conversation with two commercial boat captains. Their opinion was, drawing on decades of Lake Erie experience, given the wind, waves, and the … Continue reading “A tale of courage, compassion and hard work”
By MPP Toby Barrett Debate about Ontario’s economy, and specifically the fiscal health of its government, have dominated the past few weeks at Queen’s Park. It looks like we’re in trouble on both counts. As I did in the spring, I voted against this year’s budget – a budget I continue to find both unrealistic … Continue reading “Why I voted against the budget – again”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK –Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett believes the government’s new aviation tax could have a direct impact on the riding. Ontario already has one of the highest taxes on aviation fuel amongst neighbouring provinces and adjacent American states at 2.7 cents per litre. As part of the budget, aviation … Continue reading “New tax driving Ontario airline tickets sky high”
By MPP Toby Barrett A few days before we commenced this July’s legislature debate on the budget, I rose in Question Period with the following to Premier Wynne: “So you say in three years it’s zero deficit. However your hand-picked economist, Don Drummond, projects in three years a $30.2-billion deficit. Premier how do you square … Continue reading “Budget 2014 – A program for taxing and spending”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett paid tribute to Annaleise Carr’s Radical Crossing 2.0 in the Ontario Legislature earlier today. Carr plans to set a new record this weekend by swimming the longest distance crossing Lake Erie. Her plans are to leave Erie, Pennsylvania and land in Port … Continue reading “Carr lauded in Ontario Legislature”
Barrett echoes concerns about hunting and fishing license money
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP wants to see more accountability from the Ministry of Natural Resources Special Purpose Account (SPA), especially in light of proposals to increase fees. The ministry’s Special Purpose Account receives revenue from hunting and fishing licenses and fines issued for violations issued by conservation officers. … Continue reading “Barrett echoes concerns about hunting and fishing license money”