Ancient lore and legends of the Winter Solstice

By MPP Toby Barrett This season is a time of tradition. While we all celebrate tradition in many different ways, the ties that bind us together include family, friends, sharing and kindness. Long before Santa charioted his flying steeds across the skies, legend tells of female reindeer that drew the sleigh of the Sun Goddess … Continue reading “Ancient lore and legends of the Winter Solstice”

A fanciful blend of the religious and the commercial

By MPP Toby Barrett This year, for the first time in decades, I had an opportunity to attend the Toronto Santa Claus Parade – originally known as the Eaton’s Santa Claus Parade. I actually didn’t get to see the parade, because of the Queen’s Park vote to get college students and faculty back to work, … Continue reading “A fanciful blend of the religious and the commercial”

Barrett votes Sunday – Colleges back to work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 20, 2017   QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was one of 39 legislators who voted Sunday for the legislation that ended the college strike to result in classes resuming on Tuesday. The vote in favour of the legislation was 39-18, with all the opposing votes coming from the NDP … Continue reading “Barrett votes Sunday – Colleges back to work”

Remains unknown where NAFTA talking going: Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 15, 2017   QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Opposition Ag Critic MPP Toby Barrett went to bat for agri-business during a speech on the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. “It’s a very important ceremony to pay tribute and to recognize those farmers who are out there at the forefront,” … Continue reading “Remains unknown where NAFTA talking going: Barrett”

Municipal investigators feel shut out of Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

For Immediate Release: December 6, 2017   Queen’s Park — Municipal wildlife investigators feel the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is closing them out of the province’s predation damage compensation program. “Minister, the OFA is hearing about these kinds of problems right across Ontario,” local MPP and Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett said in … Continue reading “Municipal investigators feel shut out of Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program”

Three deadlines to keep in mind for pre-budget hearings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 1, 2017   QUEEN’S PARK – Any parties wanting to appear before the Ontario Legislature’s pre-budget consultations 2018 need to pay heed to the deadlines. The first hearing date is set for Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Toronto. For those who … Continue reading “Three deadlines to keep in mind for pre-budget hearings”

We recognize the difficult work of our police

By MPP Toby Barrett Last week during debate in the Legislature I had the opportunity to address the Safer Ontario Act and its changes to the Police Services Act. Regrettably, government is rushing this one through yet again with little time for consultation. My other concern is the removal of powers from police may occur … Continue reading “We recognize the difficult work of our police”

Local MPP touts Simcoe’s Panorama

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 30, 2017   QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett praised Simcoe’s Christmas Panorama during a statement in the Ontario Legislature yesterday. Known as Ontario’s original light festival, Barrett described Panorama as a blend of magic, childhood fantasy, family, hot chocolate and horse-drawn wagon rides. “The tales and legends of our … Continue reading “Local MPP touts Simcoe’s Panorama”

Local MPP touts Simcoe’s Panorama

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 30, 2017     QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett praised Simcoe’s Christmas Panorama during a statement in the Ontario Legislature yesterday. Known as Ontario’s original light festival, Barrett described Panorama as a blend of magic, childhood fantasy, family, hot chocolate and horse-drawn wagon rides. “The tales and legends … Continue reading “Local MPP touts Simcoe’s Panorama”