What do we know about weapons trafficking?

Many may recall the afternoon of June 2007 when an AK-47 assault rifle let loose on Provincial Highway 6 south of Caledonia, putting a man into the emergency department at West Haldimand Hospital. Just prior, the shooter had threatened another man near the Thistlemoor Street entrance to the occupied Douglas Creek Estates – right beside … Continue reading “What do we know about weapons trafficking?”

Government cuts wound Ontario’s patients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 23, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Money that should be invested in front-line health care is being spent on things like cancelled gas plants. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said, “Each day, the government’s waste and mismanagement of our money is hurting our family, friends, seniors and families.” PC Health Critic Jeff Yurek … Continue reading “Government cuts wound Ontario’s patients”

Barrett introduces legislation for inquiry into trafficking and black market

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 17, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Worried about the black market in his riding and across the province, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has introduced a Private Member’s Bill titled Commission of Inquiry into Illegal Trade and Trafficking of People, Drugs, Money, Tobacco and Weapons Act, 2016. “The need for something to be … Continue reading “Barrett introduces legislation for inquiry into trafficking and black market”

Why do we tolerate human trafficking in Ontario?

By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario does not have a strategy to deal with human trafficking – this from the recent report of the all-party Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment. Over one year of work, MPPs on the committee came to realize, although often hidden, human trafficking is a significant problem across the province. … Continue reading “Why do we tolerate human trafficking in Ontario?”

New energy saving program not for everyone: Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 10, 2016 PORT DOVER – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the recently-announced Ontario government energy savings program is a good concept, but he charges the program favours only those who heat with natural gas and are customers of two large suppliers. Announced last week by the Ministry of Energy, the program … Continue reading “New energy saving program not for everyone: Barrett”

What Is The Role Of Tobacco In The Black Market?

By MPP Toby Barrett Last spring my tobacco-country constituency office in Simcoe had visits from a Guatemalan film crew as well as a documentary crew from Costa Rica. Both asked the same question: Why are our countries inundated with contraband tobacco from Ontario? Then, in the fall I had a visit from Mexico City’s Reforma … Continue reading “What Is The Role Of Tobacco In The Black Market?”

New Law To Uphold Rights Of Psychiatric Patients

One flew east, one flew west, One flew over the cuckoo’s nest. ~ children’s poem By MPP Toby Barrett Just before Christmas a law was passed, Bill 122, providing more protection for psychiatric hospital patients detained for more than six months. This bill, the Mental Health Statute Law Amendment Act was debated and became law … Continue reading “New Law To Uphold Rights Of Psychiatric Patients”

World’s Largest Chromite Deposit Sits Stalled

By MPP Toby Barrett As a rural southern MPP travelling the North – last week’s pre-budget hearings were my fourth tour over the past year – I am always struck by the commonality we share with our resource-based economies, whether it be farming or forestry, mining or steel. However, all too often, we see opportunity … Continue reading “World’s Largest Chromite Deposit Sits Stalled”

Ontario Has Largest Sub-National Debt In The World

By MPP Toby Barrett People in Ontario, and those in financial circles around the globe, are realizing there’s a new evil on the dark side – a force that is out of control and growing stronger. Greece and California have long been held up as the poster children for unsustainable government debt. But Ontario’s government-issued … Continue reading “Ontario Has Largest Sub-National Debt In The World”

Preventative approach on Lyme Disease highlighted

For Immediate Release January 19, 2016 WINDSOR – Preventative and proactive measures are key to taking the bite out of Lyme Disease. That was one of the key messages delivered in Windsor today as the Legislative Finance Committee continued its pre-budget hearings. Cheryl Abbatte from the Sun County Lyme Awareness & Support Group reminded committee … Continue reading “Preventative approach on Lyme Disease highlighted”