Stay tuned, stay informed, look well to your vote

By MPP Toby Barrett I feel fortunate I have been given the opportunity to publish my weekly newspaper column over the past 27 years. I first approached the Port Dover Maple Leaf, as my grandfather Tobe Barrett, when MP, wrote a column as a “farmer-politician”. Thankfully Stan Morris agreed to run my column. I told … Continue reading “Stay tuned, stay informed, look well to your vote”

We can’t go into a pandemic unprepared ever again

By MPP Toby Barrett As we know too well, the pandemic touched every one of us. The past two years have been unlike anything any of us have seen or ever experienced. Far too many people have lost their jobs, businesses, and their loved ones tragically. One day we were reading about the first positive … Continue reading “We can’t go into a pandemic unprepared ever again”

Changing laws to accommodate changing workplaces

By MPP Toby Barrett The future of work is here. Your Ontario government is pivoting to chart a course that leaves no one behind. We’re making changes that will put Ontario workers and their families first for generations to come.  We are laying the foundation for opportunity and prosperity. This means taking immediate action to … Continue reading “Changing laws to accommodate changing workplaces”

Research and innovation that makes sense on the farm

By MPP Toby Barrett  Recently, I attended the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture annual meeting where I had an opportunity to speak about some of the work I’ve been doing over the winter. Over the past several months, Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson, my fellow Parliamentary Assistant Randy Pettapiece, OMAFRA staff, and I have conducted extensive consultations, … Continue reading “Research and innovation that makes sense on the farm”

We are well positioned to rebuild our economy

By MPP Toby Barrett Unquestionably, over the past two years, businesses of every type and size in across Haldimand-Norfolk and right across Ontario have faced incredible challenges. Government saw the challenges and stepped up to offer help. This included unprecedented levels of support through grants and funding for businesses that were forced to close…something I … Continue reading “We are well positioned to rebuild our economy”

Putting people at the centre of quality home care

By MPP Toby Barrett Our society in Ontario recognizes the crucial role home care plays in our health system. We know seniors prefer to stay at home as long as they can, and we are taking steps to promote the kind of healthy living that ensures that can happen. It is better for the health … Continue readingPutting people at the centre of quality home care

Urgent and emergent care has always been there

By MPP Toby Barrett Given the extreme and unprecedented challenges faced by our health care system during COVID-19, Ontario has been forced to make some hard choices in order to protect the people’s health. Because of the nature of the pandemic and the realities that it brought, our government was required to introduce temporary measures … Continue reading “Urgent and emergent care has always been there”

Learning Recovery Action Plan puts kids first

By MPP Toby Barrett   The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many aspects of our lives for over two years. Ontario’s students are some of the most impacted by the virus, which has seen schools shuttered for extended periods. To get Ontario students back on track Ontario has released its Learning Recovery Action Plan. … Continue readingLearning Recovery Action Plan puts kids first

Restrictions eased; vax passport gone March 1

By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario will lift the proof of vaccination passport for all settings, as of March 1st. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. For information, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. At time of writing, masking requirements remain in place. New admissions … Continue reading “Restrictions eased; vax passport gone March 1”

A proposal to help resolve 16 years of Caledonia

By MPP Toby Barrett This coming February 28th marks 16 years of illegal occupation of Caledonia’s Douglas Creek Estates subdivision, and 16 years of intermittent road and rail blockades, detours, violence and intimidation.  For 16 years my position and communications have remained steadfast – we have our institutions of government and law for a reason. … Continue reading “A proposal to help resolve 16 years of Caledonia”