Moody’s sounds another warning about Ontario finances

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 26, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – Another voice has been added to the chorus calling on the Wynne government to change its financial direction. Credit agency Moody’s says Ontario is in a more challenged position than Quebec to eliminate its deficit because “it faces larger ongoing deficits and also because there is … Continue reading “Moody’s sounds another warning about Ontario finances”

Leaving debt to our children is morally wrong

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” – my grandmother By MPP Toby Barrett In a recent column, I reported that Ontario’s Auditor-General, Bonnie Lysyk, has asked the people of Ontario to commence a serious conversation about paying down the debt. She has recommended Ontario work to cut Ontario’s debt-to-GDP ratio back to its pre-recession … Continue reading “Leaving debt to our children is morally wrong”

Barrett calls for re-striking the gas plant committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 18, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – Re-strike the gas plant committee! That was the call from MPP Toby Barrett, fellow Opposition caucus members and members of the Third Party. The Haldimand-Norfolk MPP’s remarks come in the wake of the Liberal-dominated Standing Committee on Justice report on the gas plants. The report barely … Continue reading “Barrett calls for re-striking the gas plant committee”

If disabled can work, why take away their money?

If disabled can work, why take away their money? “I don’t want to be at home. I want to work.” ~ ODSP recipient By MPP Toby Barrett Prior to last spring’s election, Premier Wynne pegged social justice as her top priority. Immediately after winning, she promised “better support” for those on social assistance. But those … Continue reading “If disabled can work, why take away their money?”

Barrett fears consequences of policy on rural school closings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2015 SIMCOE – In the wake of a new policy that will fast track the process of closing schools, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is asking the government to slow down and reevaluate the process. Currently, a review of a school closing must take a minimum of seven months and include … Continue reading “Barrett fears consequences of policy on rural school closings”

Hang on to your wallet – more tax hikes coming

By MPP Toby Barrett It was over 11 years ago that I reported into Shortt’s Garage, just up the road, for an expected ‘dressing down’ as our government had just lost the election. The consensus that day was a rueful, “hang on to your wallet”. And in relatively short order, newly-minted Premier McGuinty brought in … Continue reading “Hang on to your wallet – more tax hikes coming”

Questions remain about natural gas plant scandal

By MPP Toby Barrett One nasty piece of business that will need to be dealt with when the Legislature returns in February is the ongoing natural gas plant scandal. In an admission of guilt, the Premier has apologized, and the Liberal Party has repaid the $10,000 of taxpayers’ money used to cover up the $1.1- … Continue reading “Questions remain about natural gas plant scandal”

Dental benefits for low-income Ontarians needed sooner rather than later

January 29, 2015 For Immediate Release Simcoe – Access to proper dental and oral health care improves lives and reduces costs on our health care system. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said it’s time the Wynne government start making good on its commitment to extend dental benefits to all low-income workers by 2025. This was a … Continue reading “Dental benefits for low-income Ontarians needed sooner rather than later”

Ontario’s Auditor-General red flags doubled debt

By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario’s Auditor-General, Bonnie Lysyk, has thrown out a challenge to legislators, government and people in Ontario – it is time to “start a conversation” about paying down Ontario’s debt. Her concern – interest rates will eventually rise, meaning the interest cost to service Ontario’s debt will rise dramatically. By way of … Continue reading “Ontario’s Auditor-General red flags doubled debt”