By MPP Toby Barrett The First Canadian Army was instrumental in the Battle of the Scheldt, 75 years ago, which opened the crucial Port of Antwerp to Allied shipping. The battle took place in northern Belgium and southwestern Netherlands against well-established Wehrmacht defenders. On October 2, the battle began in earnest and was fought until … Continue reading “The brutal World War II Battle of the Scheldt”
Category: Column Articles
By MPP Toby Barrett Canada’s recent election campaign reinforces the fact that there are people who believe we can tax, and spend, and borrow our way to prosperity. There are those who don’t appreciate the unintended consequences of regulation, upon regulation, and tax upon tax. Those whose policy prescriptions put us – as a nation … Continue reading “Government can do more to support our economy”
By MPP Toby Barrett Our government came into office a year and a half ago having presented a vision for Ontario – and the people of this province bought in. People bought into a vision of an economy that is open for business, and open for jobs for those who want to work. It is … Continue reading “A vision and a plan for what Ontario could be”
By MPP Toby Barrett Anglers, bait harvesters and others involved in Ontario’s live bait business can provide input into the future of the industry through the online Environmental Registry until November 14. Ontario’s bait strategy is a balancing act between reducing the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species as well as fish diseases, and the … Continue reading “A renewed proposal for the bait fish industry”
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”
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”
“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”
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”
By MPP Toby Barrett During meetings, doorknocking and attending community events, I find the provision of health care remains the number one issue for Ontario taxpayers. Access to publicly funded health care is fundamental to our shared understanding of what it means to be an Ontarian and a Canadian. However, there are threats to the … Continue reading “Working toward a sustainable health care system for all”
By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario needs to put local communities back in the driver’s seat. That was the underlying sentiment at this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa. Over the course of four days, provincial representatives held 900 meetings with municipal leaders. I was able to attend some of the meetings … Continue reading “Strong ties with municipalities remain a priority”