Year: 2018

Barrett pleased task force recommendations released for Lyme Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2018   SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was pleased to see the release of the report from the Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses Task Force. Barrett, who’s 2015 Private Member’s Bill An Act to require a provincial framework and action plan concerning vector-borne diseases, required the establishment of a … Continue reading “Barrett pleased task force recommendations released for Lyme Month”

New figures run Ontario’s debt up to $346 billion

By MPP Toby Barrett There’s an old saying about the chickens coming home to roost that applies to this year’s provincial books. A few days after the budget was tabled, two credit rating agencies issued warnings that the the government’s fiscal plans will hurt Ontario’s credit reputation in the long term. Moody’s Investor Service and … Continue reading “New figures run Ontario’s debt up to $346 billion”

Parliamentarians pay tribute to former MPP Peter Preston

By MPP Toby Barrett The Ontario Legislature recently paid tribute to former Brant-Haldimand MPP Peter Preston. I first came to know Peter back in 1995, after we were both nominated candidates for neighbouring ridings. Together we worked on tactics to see if we could get ourselves elected, despite the odds against us. My riding hadn’t … Continue reading “Parliamentarians pay tribute to former MPP Peter Preston”

Tinkering won’t fix the crisis in corrections

By MPP Toby Barrett In December of 2015, I toured the aging Thunder Bay District Jail. The nearly century-old jail had recently been the scene of a riot that led to a correctional officer being taken hostage – 70 inmates took control of the upper floor for a period of 20 hours. In Ontario, assaults … Continue reading “Tinkering won’t fix the crisis in corrections”

Spring budget is not the relief Ontario needs

By MPP Toby Barrett As many will know, this spring’s Ontario budget proposes a spending spree that calls for billions more in debt, and six additional years of deficit. This was supposed to be a balanced budget. The tax hikes to pay for these promises have already started. For example, a carton of smokes just … Continue reading “Spring budget is not the relief Ontario needs”

My first budget cut income taxes 30 per cent

By MPP Toby Barrett As this column was being sent out to local media, I was on the floor of the Ontario Legislature debating my Private Member’s Motion: ‘That in the opinion of this House, the Ontario government should reduce taxes where feasible, and not introduce any new provincial taxes or raise existing provincial taxes … Continue reading “My first budget cut income taxes 30 per cent”

Barrett tax relief motion voted down

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2018   SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett’s Private Members Motion to limit future tax burdens was defeated in the Ontario Legislature on March 29. Barrett’s motion read: “That in the opinion of this House, the Ontario government should reduce taxes where feasible, and not introduce any new provincial taxes … Continue reading “Barrett tax relief motion voted down”

Legislature pays tribute to former MPP Norm Jamison

By MPP Toby Barrett Recently the Ontario Legislature paid tribute to my predecessor, former MPP Norm Jamison. First and foremost, having known Norm for 30 years, I can attest that Norm Jamison was a true gentleman. He was quiet, thoughtful, and courteous. He was a listener and an engaging conversationalist. Norm had respect. And why … Continue reading “Legislature pays tribute to former MPP Norm Jamison”

Barrett tables motion for tax relief

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2018 QUEEN’S PARK – Today Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett tabled a motion in the Ontario Legislature calling on the government to provide relief for Ontario taxpayers. Barrett’s motion read: That in the opinion of this House, the Ontario government should reduce taxes where feasible, and not introduce any new … Continue reading “Barrett tables motion for tax relief”

Barrett calls on finance minister to balance budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2018   QUEEN’S PARK – In the wake of the government Throne Speech that announced a coming budget deficit, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett called on the Ontario government to balance the books. Prior to the Throne Speech that promised new spending and a deficit, the government said the budget would … Continue reading “Barrett calls on finance minister to balance budget”