Life continued through the second half of 2020

By MPP Toby Barrett  The second half of 2020 started with our region emerging from Covid restrictions and life gaining more normalcy. Regrettably, by fall, Ontario succumbed to the second wave. I started July by writing about the new math curriculum that was introduced in the fall. This new curriculum was developed over two years in consultation … Continue reading “Life continued through the second half of 2020”

Looking back at the first six months of 2020

By MPP Toby Barrett Looking back at 2020, by and large, life and work went on, both locally and at Queen’s Park. The commencement of last year saw passage of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. Ontario was the first province in Canada to introduce such a provincially-operated enforcement system. On Jan. 25, the first case … Continue reading “Looking back at the first six months of 2020”

Ontario announces province-wide shutdown to stop spread of COVID-19 and save lives

Government providing grants of up to $20,000 to  small businesses impacted by new public health measures FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 21, 2020 TORONTO — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a Provincewide Shutdown. Additional … Continue reading “Ontario announces province-wide shutdown to stop spread of COVID-19 and save lives”

Governments providing immediate support for temporary foreign workers from Trinidad and Tobago stranded in Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 18, 2020 SIMCOE — Given the importance of Temporary Foreign Workers, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was pleased provincial and federal support will be given to agriculture producers with international workers from Trinidad and Tobago who are currently unable to return home. “Funding available for the 400 stranded farm workers from Trinidad … Continue reading “Governments providing immediate support for temporary foreign workers from Trinidad and Tobago stranded in Ontario”

Saint Lucy of Miracles reminds us to be a light this season

By MPP Toby Barrett While most families adopt their own special Christmas traditions, the season is celebrated much the same across households in Haldimand-Norfolk. Sending cards, displaying outdoor lights, finding and trimming the tree, preparing the meal and enjoying time together is how many see the holidays. Over the years, as we embark on the … Continue reading “Saint Lucy of Miracles reminds us to be a light this season”

Barrett announces more financial relief for Haldimand-Norfolk

Funding will help ensure local government avoids operating deficits in 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 16, 2020 SIMCOE — Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett announced that Haldimand and Norfolk will receive an additional $1.2 million, combined, in Safe Restart Agreement funding. The discretionary funding will be used to offset operating costs for critical services and help … Continue reading “Barrett announces more financial relief for Haldimand-Norfolk”

Ontario helps protect vulnerable people during COVID-19

Barrett announces more social services relief funding for Haldimand and Norfolk FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 11, 2020 SIMCOE — Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, announced the two counties will receive an additional $378,400 in social services relief funding. As service manager for social services for Haldimand and Norfolk, Norfolk can use the discretionary funding in … Continue reading “Ontario helps protect vulnerable people during COVID-19”

Muddling through the management of a viral pandemic

By MPP Toby Barrett On Dec. 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) received report of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. On Jan. 3, and Jan. 8, 2020, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health emailed this information to all 354 Ontario public health units. By Jan. 23, 2020, the … Continue reading “Muddling through the management of a viral pandemic”

Ontario making it easier and safer to renew driver’s licenses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 10, 2020 SIMCOE – The Ontario government is temporarily waiving multiple driver’s licence renewal requirements so that all Class G and M drivers can now safely renew their licences online at ServiceOntario.ca. To ensure continued access to critical services, these changes will also help people travelling outside Ontario for essential travel to … Continue reading “Ontario making it easier and safer to renew driver’s licenses”

Barrett encourages signatures against loopholes with designated grow-ops rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 6, 2020 SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is encouraging residents who object to designated marijuana grow-ops who are bending the rules to sign MP Diane Finley’s petition on the topic. Designated marijuana grow-ops differ from the licensed commercial operations. Some designated grow-ops are taking advantage of a loophole in the … Continue reading “Barrett encourages signatures against loopholes with designated grow-ops rules”