Government’s Great Lakes Act won’t protect environment: Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 9, 2015 SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is disappointed the government has passed a flawed bill intended on helping the Great Lakes. Rather than working with the Opposition to protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin, the bill was rammed through with debate cut off. “While I agree … Continue reading “Government’s Great Lakes Act won’t protect environment: Barrett”

“How can I afford to pay my bill from Hydro One?”

By MPP Toby Barrett Former Norfolk Power customers just received their first Hydro One bill since the sale of the local utility. These initial bills have up to an additional 17 days of consumption included. This is allegedly to provide billing closer to the time customers use electricity. As people bring their electricity bill into … Continue reading ““How can I afford to pay my bill from Hydro One?””

Hydro One executive salaries soar while Ontarians struggle with paying power bills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – During Question Period this week, Opposition Leader Patrick Brown asked Premier Wynne why her government is paying Hydro One executives lavish salaries, while average Ontario families cannot afford to pay their electricity bills. “Hydro One executive pay is out of line with the rest of Canada,” … Continue reading “Hydro One executive salaries soar while Ontarians struggle with paying power bills”

Re-calibrating provincial-municipal relationships

By MPP Toby Barrett At the time of Confederation in 1867, municipal government wasn’t very important – this according to Gary McNamara, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. In his recent keynote speech at AMO, McNamara stressed things have changed. Municipalities now provide most of the services people care about, including water, roads, … Continue reading “Re-calibrating provincial-municipal relationships”

Ontario’s home and community care sector is failing patients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – Last week, the Auditor General of Ontario released her report on the financial operations and service delivery of the 14 Community Care Access Centre’s (CCAC’s) in Ontario.  The report stresses that the provincial government must take urgent action to address the poor state of the home … Continue reading “Ontario’s home and community care sector is failing patients”

Brown brings a bit of fresh air to Queen’s Park

By MPP Toby Barrett Newly-elected MPP Patrick Brown brings a bit of fresh air with his arrival at Queen’s Park. As Opposition Leader, he is repositioning an approach unique to his work ethic and leadership style. In his first news conference of the session, he stressed: “We’re going to be sincere – I believe there … Continue reading “Brown brings a bit of fresh air to Queen’s Park”

Bees to be covered by agriculture insurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 23, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – Toby Barrett, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, welcomed today’s announcement that the government would cover bees under agriculture insurance. The concept was put forward by the Official Opposition as an amendment to the The Agriculture Insurance Act. Minister Jeff Leal … Continue reading “Bees to be covered by agriculture insurance”

Cayuga bridge fiasco raised again at Queen’s Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Toby Barrett continues to question when construction will resume on the Cayuga bridge. During the Legislature’s first week back, Barrett asked Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca for an update since it is approaching a year since construction workers were forced off the bridge. Barrett … Continue reading “Cayuga bridge fiasco raised again at Queen’s Park”

Elizabeth II is now our longest reigning Monarch

By MPP Toby Barrett Queen Elizabeth II is the only British Monarch in history properly trained to change a spark plug! This statement, put out by British Forces News, exemplifies the character of our Queen. Last Wednesday, Sept. 9th, we were afforded an opportunity to reflect on the historic 63-year reign-to-date of one of the … Continue reading “Elizabeth II is now our longest reigning Monarch”

Neonics: Who is standing up for farming?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2015 QUEEN’S PARK – Who is standing up for farming at the Cabinet table? Toby Barrett, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Opposition Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Critic, asked that question of Jeff Leal, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Leal dodged the question, instead charging back about supply management … Continue reading “Neonics: Who is standing up for farming?”