Year: 2021

Local hospitals receive increased dollars to address COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2021 SIMCOE – The Ontario government continues to take action to end hallway health care and address the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing investments in hospitals across the province for the third straight year. MPP Toby Barrett announced the following hospitals in Haldimand-Norfolk will receive additional operating … Continue reading “Local hospitals receive increased dollars to address COVID-19”

Fixing long-term care is key, locally and provincially

By MPP Toby Barrett Fixing long-term care has always been extremely important for our government, and that commitment continues. The pandemic has highlighted the immediate need for action. As a newly elected Mike Harris government member, one of my first meetings was with the board of Parkview Meadows in Townsend. That was 26 years ago, … Continue reading “Fixing long-term care is key, locally and provincially”

Ontario moving to Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen on June 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2021 SIMCOE — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve, the province-wide vaccination rate now surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, and on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is moving the province into Step Two … Continue reading “Ontario moving to Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen on June 30”

Local hospitals must capitalize on new provincial funding

Local hospitals must capitalize on new provincial funding By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario’s response to COVID-19 has been to support frontline workers, build healthcare capacity and invest in our hospitals. We continued to respond to the pandemic by creating more beds for example, Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) got a boost of $2.35 million for up … Continue reading “Local hospitals must capitalize on new provincial funding”

Casting light on baitfish disease and invasives

By MPP Toby Barrett Recreational fishing is a $1.7 billion economic driver in Ontario. As such, the government is committed to supporting recreational fishing in Ontario. The commercial bait industry has a lengthy history with 1,100 commercial bait lincenses issued each year and a value estimated at $23 million. Some of Ontario’s popular fisheries – … Continue reading “Casting light on baitfish disease and invasives”

Free fishing and Ontario Parks day-use this Father’s Day weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June16,2021 SIMCOE – The Ontario government is making it possible for families to fish for free this Father’s Day weekend. On June 19 and 20, 2021, Ontario families can enjoy fishing province-wide without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card. “Fishing and spending time outdoors is important across Ontario, … Continue reading “Free fishing and Ontario Parks day-use this Father’s Day weekend”

Ontario launches applications for 2021-22 Seniors Community Grant

Province’s program will help improve the lives of older adults FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2021 SIMCOE — The Ontario government is investing $5 million in the 2021-22 Seniors Community Grant program to help enable municipalities and local organizations to deliver programs for older adults to stay active in their communities. ““I encourage senior’s organizations and … Continue reading “Ontario launches applications for 2021-22 Seniors Community Grant”

Governments providing additional supports for Ontario beekeepers

New intake to grow beekeeping sector and support bee health  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021  SIMCOE — The Governments of Canada and Ontario are launching a new targeted beekeeper intake to support and strengthen the health of managed honey bees and Ontario’s beekeeping sector.  The business of beekeeping plays an important role when it … Continue reading “Governments providing additional supports for Ontario beekeepers”

Ontario investing in community museums

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 1, 2021  SIMCOE – The Ontario government is investing more than $4.9 million through the Community Museum Operating Grant to support community museums across our province.  “We have a rich and storied past in Haldimand-Norfolk – a past that is well worth documenting and preserving,” said MPP Toby Barrett, noting local … Continue reading “Ontario investing in community museums”

Haldimand paramedic honoured for bravery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2021  SIMCOE – A Haldimand County paramedic is being recognized by the Ontario Government for an act of bravery.   Paramedic Steve Laubach of Haldimand County Paramedic Services was presented the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery. This award was created to honour paramedics who have performed an act of exceptional courage. This year, … Continue reading “Haldimand paramedic honoured for bravery”