By MPP Toby Barrett Serious allegations have been raised of late as to the conduct of the Ontario government, and the perception that it may have turned doing government business in to a money-making machine for political gain. Two years ago I drafted a proposal to limit corporate and union donations to political parties. In … Continue reading “Big money has too much influence on elections”
Year: 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2016 SIMCOE- Electricity rates are on the rise again. Effective May 1, on-peak rates – which run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – will increase by 0.5¢ per kilowatt-hour to 18¢/kwh. Mid-peak and off-peak are also increasing, and will be 13.2¢/kwh and 7.7¢/kwh. The increase is expected to equate … Continue reading “Electricity rates going up again”
Government collusion with big money a threat to democracy: Barrett
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP weighed in on the Ontario government’s high-priced private fundraisers during debate in the Ontario Legislature this week. “My position, really, is that big money has skewed policy, it’s skewing decision-making, and I consider it a threat to our long tradition of democracy,” Barrett said … Continue reading “Government collusion with big money a threat to democracy: Barrett”
As a past president of our Norfolk Farm Safety Association, I can vividly recall a presentation by a farmer by the name of Ken Kelly. He talked about how prices were bad back in the 1970s, and the stress of having to lay off his hired man. He was working twice as long; working at … Continue reading “It’s up to all of us to promote farm safety”
SIMCOE – Opposition agriculture critic and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett again highlighted the impact of cuts to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs during debate in the Ontario Legislature. Barrett called the food and beverage industry “good news” as it is a sector that grew by 11 per cent from 2007 to … Continue reading “Barrett: Budget hinders agri-business”
By MPP Toby Barrett Small business, agri-business and manufacturing across our area continue to strive for growth in market share, and by extension, boost our local economy. A low dollar, coupled with gains in productivity and innovation bode well, however there appears little help for business from recently-tabled government budgets – both provincial and federal. … Continue reading “Was anything budgeted for our job creators?”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Following concerns raised by constituents in regard to Bill 100, Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2016, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett raised concerns about the legislation in the Ontario Legislature. During legislative debate, Barrett related concerns about the government proposal to create trail easements on private land. “But … Continue reading “Barrett questions easements in Bill 100 Trails Act”
By MPP Toby Barrett With turkey and trout season just around the corner, hunters and anglers now need to be vigilant about exposure to ticks and mosquitoes. Farmers, hikers and anyone else spending time in the outdoors need to be wary. Not that many years ago, outside work and outdoor recreation didn’t bring with it … Continue reading “Spring means trout, turkey, tractors and ticks”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2016 COURTLAND – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett’s Private Member’s Bill The Ontario Commission of Inquiry into the Black Market Trade and Trafficking of People, Drugs, Money, Tobacco and Weapons Act, 2016 was voted down by the Liberal majority on Thursday, March 24. During second reading, the bill received favourable comments … Continue reading “Barrett bill on organized crime voted down”
Barrett questions cuts to ministry supporting province’s top industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2016 QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Opposition Critic to the Minsitry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs questioned why the government cut $28 million from the budget of the ministry supporting the province’s top industry. Yesterday was originally scheduled for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to … Continue reading “Barrett questions cuts to ministry supporting province’s top industry”