The past ten years have been ten lost years

By MPP Toby Barrett Our forbearers built a province that offered an unparalleled promise that if you worked hard you would be rewarded with more take-home pay, and with security to buy a home, raise a family and provide a future for that family. However, over the past decade government has broken that promise. The … Continue reading “The past ten years have been ten lost years”

Barrett calls for all-out fight against Asian carp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE: Oct. 30, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK – In the wake of four grass carp – a species of Asian carp – found to be reproducing in Ohio’s Sandusky River, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is calling for a full frontal assault on the invaders and re-allocating the necessary resources to the Ministry of Natural … Continue reading “Barrett calls for all-out fight against Asian carp”

More action needed on Asian carp: Barrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 28, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK – This is the time for action, not words, when it comes to Asian carp, MPP Toby Barrett charged in the Ontario Legislature today. Barrett’s questions came in advance of hearings into the Ontario government’s Ministry of Environment legislation, Great Lakes Protection Act. Premier Kathleen Wynne passed his … Continue reading “More action needed on Asian carp: Barrett”

Barrett’s pay equity bill blocked in the Legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 25, 2013 QUEEN’S PARK –MPP Toby Barrett’s Private Member’s Bill titled The Comprehensive Pay Fairness Act was defeated yesterday by government and third party MPPs after second reading debate. “During debate the Liberals and NDP made it very clear they would not support any move towards public sector/private sector pay equity,” … Continue reading “Barrett’s pay equity bill blocked in the Legislature”

Barrett question raises tone of debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 24, 2013   QUEEN’S PARK –A question from MPP Toby Barrett on private-public sector wages raised the spirit of debate in the Legislature today. “People have the perception that government jobs pay a whole lot better than regular jobs,” Barrett said. “We know they are right; it’s in the research. If … Continue reading “Barrett question raises tone of debate”

Tracking back the billion-dollar gas plant trail

By MPP Toby Barrett On the heels of what may be one of the largest scandals in Ontario’s history, the long and convoluted trail to the truth has been revealed by the office of Ontario’s auditor-general. As we now know, the cost of cancelling the Oakville and Mississauga power plants was $1.1 billion, far more … Continue reading “Tracking back the billion-dollar gas plant trail”

Barrett to bring forward debate on balance between private and public sector

For Immediate Release October 23, 2013 Queen’s Park – Tomorrow Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett will put forward a fresh idea on what a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work should look like in Ontario. Barrett will be debating his latest Private Members Bill – Bill 113, Comprehensive Pay Fairness Act – that shines … Continue reading “Barrett to bring forward debate on balance between private and public sector”

Ontario businesses need more than baby steps from government

For Immediate Release October 22, 2013 Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett called on the Wynne government to stop creating rules, regulations and red tape that are suffocating business. Barrett’s remarks were in response to government Bill 105, Supporting Small Business Act. Basically, the proposed legislation adds $50,000 to a tax exemption that was … Continue reading “Ontario businesses need more than baby steps from government”

Environmental commissioner identifies need for more focus on invasive species

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 17, 2013 SIMCOE – In the wake of two Asian carp being found near Dunnville, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is calling on the government to follow Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Gord Miller’s recommendation to beef up the province’s invasive species’ strategic plan. In 2012, the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan was … Continue reading “Environmental commissioner identifies need for more focus on invasive species”

Barrett bill addresses public/private pay equity

By MPP Toby Barrett Recently I’ve been attempting to put the spotlight on public sector compensation – not just wages but also pensions, vacation time, sick time, hours of work, early retirement, job security and other benefits – in comparison to private sector jobs. When you factor in the perks, research indicates civil servants are … Continue reading “Barrett bill addresses public/private pay equity”