Author: Toby Barrett

Sobey’s Simcoe receives Foodland Ontario Retailer Award for local food promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2019 SIMCOE – Today, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett recognized Sobey’s Simcoe for their outstanding commitment to Ontario’s local food industry.  On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, the MPP presented store manager Margaret Pitts and produce manager Cathy Adams the retailer Platinum Award, “With Norfolk County having a diverse agriculture … Continue reading “Sobey’s Simcoe receives Foodland Ontario Retailer Award for local food promotion”

For those who want to work in the skilled trades

By MPP Toby Barrett Last winter I hosted a roundtable for local businesses. Attending was MPP Michael Parsa, then Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. One common theme prevailed: there is a lack of skilled labour and, in many cases, a lack of work ethic. This is something I … Continue reading “For those who want to work in the skilled trades”

Cutting red tape to make it easier for agricultural and horticultural organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 3, 2019 Ontario is working to reduce red tape for over 500 Ontario agricultural and horticultural organizations. This fall, the Ontario government will introduce legislation that, if passed, would save organizations and their volunteers’ time and money by removing burdensome and outdated rules that regulate agricultural and horticultural societies. “Fair boards … Continue reading “Cutting red tape to make it easier for agricultural and horticultural organizations”

Ontario can do more to help people get into homes

By MPP Toby Barrett As someone who built my own home and have continued to work with the trades on various building projects, I welcomed a recent opportunity to address the Haldimand and Norfolk Home Builders Association. I think everyone in the room agreed government can do more to help people get into homes. We … Continue reading “Ontario can do more to help people get into homes”

Proposed bait strategy posted on EBR registry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 30, 2019 PORT DOVER – The Ontario government is taking steps to protect the province’s lakes and rivers from the threat of invasive species and fish diseases while keeping the baitfish industry open for business. Today, John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Mike Harris, Parliamentary Assistant to the … Continue reading “Proposed bait strategy posted on EBR registry”

Taking action to support craft beverage in Haldimand-Norfolk

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 27, 2019   SIMCOE – The Ontario Government is supporting small wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries, strengthening the province’s craft beverage sector to ensure it can continue to grow and meet consumer demand. Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, welcomed the announcement of over $15 million in funding to help small … Continue reading “Taking action to support craft beverage in Haldimand-Norfolk”

Ontario modernizing building code services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 24, 2019 SIMCOE — Ontario is modernizing services related to the province’s building code to help speed up the construction of new housing and building projects. Better services, up-to-date tools and new resources will help people better understand and meet building code requirements, while maintaining the same high standards for public safety. … Continue reading “Ontario modernizing building code services”

“Huntin’, fishin’, and lovin’ every day in Haldimand-Norfolk

By MPP Toby Barrett National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day in Canada — Sept. 21 this year — is set aside to pay tribute not only to our heritage, but also to honour conservation groups that ensure there are outdoor opportunities for future generations. “Huntin’, fishin’, and lovin’ every day, That’s the prayer that … Continue reading ““Huntin’, fishin’, and lovin’ every day in Haldimand-Norfolk”

Ontario modernizing building code services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 24, 2019 SIMCOE — Ontario is modernizing services related to the province’s building code to help speed up the construction of new housing and building projects. Better services, up-to-date tools and new resources will help people better understand and meet building code requirements, while maintaining the same high standards for public safety. … Continue reading “Ontario modernizing building code services”

A slate of fall events across Haldimand, Norfolk

By MPP Toby Barrett Fall is a dichotomy of not only weather, but also emotion. The joy of the fall fair is offset by the solmness of Remembrance Day and the realization the grey days of winter are imminent. Port Rowans’ Bayfest signalled to many that short and sandal weather was grinding to a halt. … Continue reading “A slate of fall events across Haldimand, Norfolk”