Year: 2015

Barrett appointed Caucus Chair; reappointed Agriculture Critic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 11, 2015 SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has been appointed Caucus Chair and reappointed as agriculture critic by incoming Opposition Leader Patrick Brown. Patrick Brown announced new shadow cabinet responsibilities yesterday. Barrett was previously the critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and welcomed a return to this position. Further … Continue reading “Barrett appointed Caucus Chair; reappointed Agriculture Critic”

Lots of things for us to see and do this autumn!

By MPP Toby Barrett This summer’s resurgence of the Dunnville Fair – new location, new attractions – bodes well for the coming season of fall fairs and festivals. Hard on the heels of Tillsonburg’s show, we can attend Langton, Houghton and the Donnybrook fairs – if you haven’t been, it’s worth exploring the smaller exhibitions … Continue reading “Lots of things for us to see and do this autumn!”

Patrick Brown wins by-election by wide margin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 4, 2015 Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is looking forward to the Queen’s Park arrival of newly-elected MPP and Opposition Leader Patrick Brown. Brown won the Sept 3rd by-election in Simcoe North with a wide margin of two to one. The former municipal councillor, and then federal MP for Barrie, … Continue reading “Patrick Brown wins by-election by wide margin”

Invasive species merit redirection of awareness and funding

By MPP Toby Barrett The recent discovery of two Asian carp in a pond in Toronto stands as a stark reminder of the potential cost and the need for education with respect to the ongoing problem of invasive species. Exactly how those two fish ended up in an enclosed pond might never be known, it’s … Continue reading “Invasive species merit redirection of awareness and funding”

New payroll pension tax will be a job killer

By MPP Toby Barrett The current government is known for floating policy that makes great headlines and soundbites in the media but not so great results when it comes to implementation. The Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, or ORPP for short, is a recent example. Instead of promoting financial literacy and encouraging people to make their … Continue reading “New payroll pension tax will be a job killer”

A proposal to beef up the law on trespassing

By MPP Toby Barrett So many rural property owners have trespassing stories in Haldimand-Norfolk and beyond. They can range from people picking trilliums, hunting without permission to more serious incidents involving drunk driving in fields, burning barns and theft. Unfortunately, the Trespass to Property Act as it’s currently written does not adequately address the protection … Continue reading “A proposal to beef up the law on trespassing”

New Ontario pension tax remains bad for families and business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 13, 2015 SIMCOE – Premier Wynne’s announced design features of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) does nothing to alleviate the concerns of working families and businesses. “In this environment of high debt, high taxes and high energy prices, our economy will suffer with this combined four per cent payroll tax … Continue reading “New Ontario pension tax remains bad for families and business”

What’s the cure for Ontario’s doctor gap?

By MPP Toby Barrett Few will argue we have a doctor shortage in Ontario, including right here in Haldimand-Norfolk. Some will say it’s a crisis as thousands rely on walk-in clinics and emergency rooms for primary care. Family physicians establish, in most cases, close relationships with their patients close to home. They are in a … Continue reading “What’s the cure for Ontario’s doctor gap?”

Flawed Hydro One billing system won’t improve with lack of oversight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 6, 2015 SIMCOE – Hydro One led the list for numbers of complaints of government organizations the Ontario Ombudsman investigates, but it will be the last time this will occur. The Ontario Ombudsman’s 2014-2015 Annual Report highlights a troubling amount of complaints related to Hydro One’s billing and customer service practices.  … Continue reading “Flawed Hydro One billing system won’t improve with lack of oversight”

Where’s the 15% cut to auto insurance premiums?

By MPP Toby Barrett Promise made — promise broken. The Ontario government has failed to follow through on a commitment to cut the provincial auto insurance rates. In the 2013 budget, we were told auto insurance premiums would be reduced by 15 per cent over two years. That would have equaled an annual savings of … Continue reading “Where’s the 15% cut to auto insurance premiums?”