By MPP Toby Barrett My discussions over the summer with people across Haldimand and Norfolk seem to centre on pocket-book issues – paying the bills, taxes and even concerns about hanging on to one’s home. People feel they cannot afford the additional HST on electricity and home heating fuel, and the debt retirement charge on … Continue reading “It seems to be about paying the bills and taxes”
Author: Toby Barrett
By MPP Toby Barrett Municipal governments have a difficult job to do, balancing demand for services and the tax base. Given the challenges of recent years, local governments have had to make some tough decisions. Of course, budget management is even more difficult when many of the costs are outside of direct local control. Take … Continue reading “Let’s improve municipal – provincial relationship”
By MPP Toby Barrett Following recent weeks of wind powered photo-ops and measures to further entrench unaffordable wind and solar power contracts, it’s clear government is refusing to listen. In the face of protests, petitions and at least 80 municipalities demanding a wind energy moratorium – a moratorium we in Opposition have advocated in the … Continue reading “Ontario green jobs blowing in the wind?”
By MPP Toby Barrett Next to taxes, regulation is the predominant tool used by government to influence people’s behaviour. And while no one will argue the value of regulation with respect to health or safety or our environment, a serious problem exists for Ontario’s economy and prosperity because of overregulation. According to the Canadian Federations … Continue reading “Cut red tape for productivity and prosperity”
For Immediate Release: August 4, 2011 Simcoe – Following two days of McGuinty manipulation to further entrench unaffordable wind and solar power contracts, it’s clear this government just refuses to listen. That according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett who indicates the clear petty political games being played on wind energy policy in the run-up to … Continue reading “Barrett decries government wind manipulation, McGuinty pre-election FIT and Samsung tinkering costing Ontario families”
By MPP Toby Barrett Small businesses and farms form the backbone of our economy. They are the sources of not only jobs and opportunity, but also the innovation and risk-taking that comprise a strong, modern economy. Small businesses and farms must have every possible advantage to succeed and grow. They are our engines of growth, … Continue reading “Small businesses and farms drive our economy”
By MPP Toby Barrett As a former teacher and the son and grandson of teachers, I’m convinced of the opportunities created for citizens through education. Regardless of background, every student needs access to skills and knowledge for a fair start in life; to do their best, and to be better prepared for the work world … Continue reading “21st century requires 21st century education”
Improvements to highways 6 and 24 en route; MTO study for local road rehabilitation on its way
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2011 Simcoe – The Ministry of Transportation is scheduling necessary upgrades to Highways 6 and 24 in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. Following a series of letters to Ministers of Transportation in recent years Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is hopeful MTO’s contracting of Stantec to do a detail design and Class … Continue reading “Improvements to highways 6 and 24 en route; MTO study for local road rehabilitation on its way”
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2011 STRAFFORDVILLE – Elgin and Norfolk County farmers told Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Elgin-Middlesex-London PC candidate Jeff Yurek of the frustrations they face. Individual producers and representatives of farm groups met Thursday at Kristen’s Kitchen in Straffordville to explain some of the challenges they face. Risk management, rising energy prices and … Continue reading “Farmers frustrated with unnecessary regulations”
For Immediate Release: July 26, 2011 LEAMINGTON – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett and Chatham-Kent-Essex PC Candidate Rick Nicholls heard red tape is smothering Leamington-area farmers during a meeting today. Ten farmers met with Barrett and Nicholls at CF Greenhouses, a potted plant operation in Leamington, as part of Barrett’s tour of western Lake Erie to … Continue reading “Farmers suffocated by a blanket of red tape”