ALUS program puts the farmer in the driver’s seat

By MPP Toby Barrett The public appetite to protect and promote our natural environment continues to grow. With the majority of southern Ontario’s land base under private ownership, it remains critical to engage those who own the land as conservation partners on the working landscape – a landscape where farmers and stakeholders can work collaboratively … Continue reading “ALUS program puts the farmer in the driver’s seat”

MPP Toby Barrett supports farmers working to protect the environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2019       Ontario’s Government is helping more farmers take action in Haldimand-Norfolk to make their operations more environmentally sustainable and to boost water quality in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed. Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, commended Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, … Continue reading “MPP Toby Barrett supports farmers working to protect the environment”

Steps to better animal welfare enforcement

By MPP Toby Barrett The province has brought in interim animal protection measures, which are a temporary solution until a better permanent system is in place by next January. Animal welfare legislation has been enforced by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) since 1919, however, the OSPCA recently decided to … Continue reading “Steps to better animal welfare enforcement”

Ontario nominating Long Point Causeway bridge project for infrastructure funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2019 SIMCOE — Ontario’s government is investing in what matters by nominating the Long Point Causeway bridge to the federal government for approval as part of an effort to improve the province’s infrastructure, create jobs and grow the economy.  Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett announced today the province has nominated the … Continue reading “Ontario nominating Long Point Causeway bridge project for infrastructure funding”

Evaluation of practices is key for Lyme disease

By MPP Toby Barrett Another year has ticked by and Lyme disease remains a problem across much of North America. Over the years I have met with so many people – farmers, outdoor activists, friends, neighbours – who have come down with Lyme – so many, often young people, afflicted in the prime of their … Continue reading “Evaluation of practices is key for Lyme disease”

Supporting Ontario Food Terminal’s long-term success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2019 Initial review findings highlight importance of current location TORONTO – Today, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman and Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth confirmed the Food Terminal will stay at its current location. The minister and MPP Hogarth made the announcement this morning at the Ontario Food … Continue reading “Supporting Ontario Food Terminal’s long-term success”

Much to celebrate this summer in Haldimand and Norfolk

By MPP Toby Barrett Formerly known as Dominion Day, Canada Day not only marks our nation’s birthday, but also marks the unofficial start of what is a busy summer full of events across our area. The two First of July parades in the riding are always a sight to see. Caledonia starts the day with … Continue reading “Much to celebrate this summer in Haldimand and Norfolk”

Our local newspapers are small town Ontario

By MPP Toby Barrett Recently my colleague MPP Goldie Ghamari introduced a Private Member’s Bill titled Supporting Ontario’s Community, Rural, and Agricultural Newspapers Act. Community newspapers are a local businesses and this proposed legislation is a no-brainer. At one time, community newspapers and radio were the only options for small-town business to get their message … Continue reading “Our local newspapers are small town Ontario”

Broadband is essential in farm Ontario

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2019 Queen’s Park — Without a doubt, being disconnected means being disadvantaged. The Ontario Government has committed $63.7 million in South-Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) increasing Internet connectivity for those living and working in Norfolk County. “For years, I’ve been hearing from people in my area complaining—I hear these complaints … Continue reading “Broadband is essential in farm Ontario”

A new approach to live baitfish management

By Toby Barrett, MPP With the opening of bass season around the corner, hundreds of anglers will descend on the waters of Haldimand-Norfolk with bait offerings to entice fish to bite.  With over 250,000 lakes and 1.2 million recreational anglers in Ontario, it’s no surprise the live bait industry is big business – at the … Continue reading “A new approach to live baitfish management”