Author: Toby Barrett

HN receives $5.1 million boost with Community Infrastructure Funding

For Immediate Release: January 17, 2020 SIMCOE – Both Haldimand and Norfolk Counties are getting a hand up totalling over $5 million to support work on bridges, roads, water and wastewater infrastructure. The latest investment is through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) that will see small, rural and northern communities as the beneficiaries. This … Continue reading “HN receives $5.1 million boost with Community Infrastructure Funding”

Our mental health and addictions system is overwhelmed

 By MPP Toby Barrett I had a 20-year career with the Ontario Addiction Research Foundation (ARF) prior to becoming an MPP. ARF was a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and one of the premier alcohol and drug research organizations in the world. We always knew there was no panacea, no silver bullet, for the misuse … Continue reading “Our mental health and addictions system is overwhelmed”

New rules for democratic discourse in the Legislature

By MPP Toby Barrett Many of us who have been elected to serve in Ontario’s provincial parliament feel we have a bit of an outdated set-up and we operate under somewhat obscure procedural protocol. That will all change next week as we head back to the Ontario Legislature. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that there … Continue reading “New rules for democratic discourse in the Legislature”

Bill to protect and promote North America’s Great Lakes

By MPP Toby Barrett Building on the work of so many over the years to help promote and protect our Great Lakes – on Dec. 11, 2019 – I introduced an Ontario Private Member’s Bill to enhance the promotion and protection of North America’s Great Lakes. As explained in the proposed legislation, “The Bill amends … Continue reading “Bill to protect and promote North America’s Great Lakes”

North America’s Great Lakes a world-class destination

By MPP Toby Barrett During my recent tenure as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, I researched the status of our Great Lakes building on work I was involved in 20 years ago when I was then also Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Natural Resources. At that time, much … Continue reading “North America’s Great Lakes a world-class destination”

Protecting farm animals, farmers and our food supply

By MPP Toby Barrett There has been a great deal of talk across Ontario in recent months about animal welfare. Ontario is changing the way animal welfare laws are enforced. We passed the PAWS Act on January 1st, 2020 – a transparent and accountable measure that keeps all animals safe. Unless you are a farmer, … Continue reading “Protecting farm animals, farmers and our food supply”

HN receives $5.1 million boost with Community Infrastructure Funding

For Immediate Release January 17, 2020 SIMCOE – Both Haldimand and Norfolk Counties are getting a hand up totalling over $5 million to support work on bridges, roads, water and wastewater infrastructure. The latest investment is through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) that will see small, rural and northern communities as the beneficiaries. This … Continue reading “HN receives $5.1 million boost with Community Infrastructure Funding”

Support for Parents initiative puts money directly into family coffers

Minister of Education offers financial assistance during teacher union strike actions   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 16, 2020 SIMCOE — The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, has announced the government’s plan to offer parents up to $60 per day if strike actions close schools or school-based child care centres. “Our aim has always been to reach … Continue reading “Support for Parents initiative puts money directly into family coffers”

The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act is now law

By MPP Toby Barrett Last spring the Ontario Government introduced temporary measures to ensure the welfare of animals, after the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced it was withdrawing enforcement. Temporary measures were necessary while the province worked with animal welfare stakeholders to develop a new provincial enforcement model. We have … Continue reading “The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act is now law”

Wrapping up 2019 in the constituency and Queens Park

By MPP Toby Barrett Reflecting on the last six months of 2019, animals were the topic of discussion as we moved into summer. The OSPCA informed the Solicitor General it would no longer enforce the OSPCA Act. The OSPCA withdrew all responsibility for livestock and horse related issues and complaints. This triggered the implementation of … Continue reading “Wrapping up 2019 in the constituency and Queens Park”