Year: 2014

Barrett renews call for gutting Asian carp imported into Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – During Question Period, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett renewed his call for the province to require Asian carp entering Ontario first be gutted. Regulations currently ban the live importation of Asian carp into Ontario, but dead fish can be imported for food. Since that regulation was introduced, … Continue reading “Barrett renews call for gutting Asian carp imported into Ontario”

Budget leading Ontario down an expensive garden path

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett believes the Ontario budget is not only leading the province down the wrong path, it’s taking it down the garden path. Barrett pointed to the $30.2-billion discrepancy between the budget and what economist Don Drummond predicted. In his report, Drummond said if … Continue reading “Budget leading Ontario down an expensive garden path”

Barrett appointed Opposition Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Critic

First elected in 1995, as a government member, MPP Barrett chaired Rural Caucus and was Parliamentary Assistant to OMAFRA. Barrett also previously served as Agriculture Critic during the John Tory Opposition. A 600-acre family mixed-farm operation north of Port Dover provided Barrett a background in dairy, beef, broilers, hatching eggs and sheep, as well as … Continue reading “Barrett appointed Opposition Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Critic”

Throne Speech overshadowed by credit downgrade

By MPP Toby Barrett Each additional point increase in Ontario’s interest rate will add another $3 billion in interest cost on gross debt. – Economist Jack Mintz Ontario’s 41st Parliament commenced this July with the Speech from the Throne – delivered by outgoing Lieutenant-Governor David C. Onley, but written by the office of Premier Wynne. … Continue reading “Throne Speech overshadowed by credit downgrade”

Premier’s promise has a $30.2 billion discrepancy

For Immediate Release July 8, 2014 Premier’s promise has a $30.2 billion discrepancy Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett took time during Question Period today to remind Premier Wynne that in 2012 she committed to eliminate Ontario’s deficit by fiscal year 2017-18. “So you say in three years it’s zero deficit,” Barrett questioned. “However, … Continue reading “Premier’s promise has a $30.2 billion discrepancy”

An unusual July sitting of the Ontario Legislature

By MPP Toby Barrett “I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. So help me God.” The wording of the Oath of Allegiance has not changed since 1792, except for the name of the Monarch, and reinforces the province’s official motto: “Loyal she began, … Continue reading “An unusual July sitting of the Ontario Legislature”

Ontario credit rating outlook downgraded

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2014 QUEEN’S PARK – Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded Ontario’s credit rating outlook to negative. Moody’s outlook was stable, but the downgrade was due to the expectation of “the increase in planned deficits”. The credit rating change could affect the borrowing rate on the province’s $250 billion in debt securities. … Continue reading “Ontario credit rating outlook downgraded”

How would you assist Ontario balance the books?

By MPP Toby Barrett “When I say we need to stay on government’s fiscal plan of balancing the budget by 2017-18, I mean it.” – Kathleen Wynne, 2012 Just before she became Liberal leader in 2012, Kathleen Wynne made a commitment to eliminate Ontario’s deficit by fiscal year 2017-18 – a promise she continues to … Continue reading “How would you assist Ontario balance the books?”