FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario’s Premier and her education minister were under fire today as concerned parents, students and rural citizens converged on Queen’s Park to protest rural school closures. Members of the Legislature questioned why over 600 schools are currently slated for closure across Ontario. Members called the … Continue reading “Rural school closures are another attack on rural Ontario”
Year: 2016
By MPP Toby Barrett There is need for those involved in farming and food production to work together – and work with policy makers – to foster productivity and enhance competitiveness. As Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs I submit for consideration some thoughts on boosting agri-food jobs and economic activity building on … Continue reading “Unleash the potential of our farm and food economy”
What are your thoughts on government policy for our rural, farm and agri-food sectors?
By MPP Toby Barrett During this period in Ontario’s election cycle, all political parties are now thinking about and developing policy for the next election and for the future. As Opposition, we have created a rigorous, lengthy policy development process involving people across Ontario, party members, caucus and stakeholder groups. In my position as Opposition … Continue reading “What are your thoughts on government policy for our rural, farm and agri-food sectors?”
Wynne Government attempting to balance budget artificially: Barrett
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Yesterday’s Fall Economic Statement is an attempt by the Wynne government to balance the budget leading up to an election year before returning to deficit spending, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said. In his recent report, the province’s Financial Accountability Officer stated the government would not … Continue reading “Wynne Government attempting to balance budget artificially: Barrett”
We remember the tremendous impact of the War to End All Wars
By MPP Toby Barrett One hundred years ago, millions were involved in war – a war later to be known as the War to End All Wars. It was a global conflict of brutality, propaganda and technological advance — a war of survival and humanity and courage. Trench warfare forced soldiers to adapt to new … Continue reading “We remember the tremendous impact of the War to End All Wars”
Restore rational decision-making to Ontario’s electricity sector
By MPP Toby Barrett Last week marked another raucous chapter of legislative debate and questions about the high cost of electricity – culminating in government and third-party members joining forces, yet again, to vote down our Opposition proposals to deal with the problem. My plea, during one of a record 14 questions asked about electricity … Continue reading “Restore rational decision-making to Ontario’s electricity sector”
By MPP Toby Barrett The frequent and expensive reorganization of Ontario’s health care over the past 13 years has left the system in upheaval and patients forgotten. The so-called Patients First Act – Bill 41 – is the latest experiment in rejigging our health care system. Like government attempts to tinker with ORNGE, E-health, and … Continue reading “Are we putting patients or bureaucrats first?”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 26, 2016 Barrett questions minister on farm hydro rates QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Opposition Ag Critic Toby Barrett took the government to task during Question Period on the impact skyrocketing electricity rates are having on agriculture and agri-food business. Barrett provided the follow-up question to his caucus colleague … Continue reading “Barrett questions minister on farm hydro rates”
Barrett encourages residents to apply for energy support program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 20, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – In the wake of revelations the government spent more money on consultants and advertising for the Ontario Energy Support Program than actually helping ratepayers struggling with their bills, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett encouraged local residents who qualify to take advantage of the program. Earlier this … Continue reading “Barrett encourages residents to apply for energy support program”
By MPP Toby Barrett They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and under the guise of green energy, the present government has taken us on that road to the highest electricity rates in North America. The result, a litany of horror stories from local ratepayers that would make Stephen King … Continue reading “The Ontario government’s hydro horror show”