New math curriculum welcome news for September

By MPP Toby Barrett All aspects of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Although we have collectively made progress, the virus remains and we must be vigilant. There’s the worry of a second wave this fall and that’s why this week our Ontario Government presented parents and students with options for schooling. We also … Continue reading “New math curriculum welcome news for September”

Haldimand-Norfolk goes to Stage 2 reopening

By MPP Toby Barrett The Ontario Government, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has moved the Haldimand-Norfolk public health region into Stage 2 reopening, as of Friday, June 19. Further investigation into the farm outbreak determined the virus has been contained and there is now less chance of spread to the … Continue reading “Haldimand-Norfolk goes to Stage 2 reopening”

Canada and Ontario support beef and hog farmers during COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2020 QUEEN’S PARK – Federal and provincial governments are investing up to $10 million in emergency assistance for beef and hog farmers.  Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said the funding will help cover the increased costs of feeding market ready cattle and hogs due to COVID-19 related processing delays, while redirecting surplus … Continue reading “Canada and Ontario support beef and hog farmers during COVID-19”

We have problems in Haldimand-Norfolk; we will fix them

By MPP Toby Barrett     Anyone who reads or watches the big city news will know Haldimand and Norfolk, over many months, have had the dubious notoriety of going above and beyond Ontario policy on COVID-19. More recently the local mayors yet again garnered headlines, and caught the eye of Queen’s Park, with the announced reversal … Continue reading “We have problems in Haldimand-Norfolk; we will fix them”

Ontario protecting agri-food workers during COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2020 Government investing $15 million in health and safety measures for farm operations SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP welcomed a recent announcement by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, that the government is taking additional steps to better protect workers in the agri-food sector during the COVID-19 outbreak. … Continue reading “Ontario protecting agri-food workers during COVID-19”

Canada and Ontario take additional steps to protect agri-food workers during COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2020 Investment will help ensure the continued supply of healthy meat products SIMCOE — The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2.25 million in provincially licensed meat processing plants to better protect employees and ensure the continued supply of healthy products for consumers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Through the … Continue reading “Canada and Ontario take additional steps to protect agri-food workers during COVID-19”

We must all aggressively plan for our recovery

 By MPP Toby Barrett It has been over four months since Ontario’s first case of coronavirus, and our focus now is getting businesses up and running – and people back to work – in a safe and responsible manner. Reopening Ontario is the toughest balancing act we’ve ever had. My staff constantly hears conflicting opinions; … Continue reading “We must all aggressively plan for our recovery”

Ontario’s new broadband program to connect residents & businesses in H-N

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2020 SIMCOE – The provincial goverment announced an investment of $150 million to address much-needed broadband infrastructure across unserved and underserved regions of the province, including Haldimand and Norfolk. This investment looks to connect more residents and businesses in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties to reliable broadband and cellular service. The Improving … Continue reading “Ontario’s new broadband program to connect residents & businesses in H-N”

The invasion of garlic mustard and common buckthorn

By MPP Toby Barrett The trillium is a symbol of spring – Ontario’s white floral emblem. But there’s another symbol of how invasives can dominate our landscape – the white blossom of garlic mustard.  Like many invasives, garlic mustard is highly competitive and can force out natural species – like Ontario’s trillium. It produces an … Continue reading “The invasion of garlic mustard and common buckthorn”

As Ontario reopens, consider wearing a mask

By MPP Toby Barrett The incremental reopening of the Province of Ontario is based on the confidence that people in Ontario will up their game as far as following health and safety measures during these dangerous times. Recently, the Ontario Ministry of Health recommended the use of face coverings when physical distancing and keeping apart … Continue reading “As Ontario reopens, consider wearing a mask”