“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”
By MPP Toby Barrett This August we saw the fifth U.S. Civil War re-enactment at Circle G Ranch, east of Cayuga. On Sept. 13, re-enactors of the ‘Blue and Grey’ will go to battle in Otterville. The American Civil War had a tremendous influence on the British North American colonies, and continues to be of … Continue reading “The influence on Canada of the American Civil War”
By MPP Toby Barrett The Ontario government has announced plans to improve and expand internet and cell phone service in rural and remote communities. For years, I’ve been hearing from people in the riding – and I hear these complaints in my own home as well – about poor service. This announcement will help families … Continue reading “A plan to expand internet and cell phone service”
By MPP Toby Barrett Phragmites is likely the largest invasive plant threat facing Ontario today. It has taken over our wetlands, invaded our ditches and can get a foothold just about anywhere. It’s the monster that keeps coming back – we can’t let our guard down. Phragmites was first found in the Long Point wetlands … Continue reading “We can’t afford to not win the war on phragmites”
By MPP Toby Barrett Recently Paris, Ontario, hosted the 120th annual meeting of the Fire Fighters Association of Ontario. Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, as well as Brant-Brantford MPP and volunteer firefighter Will Bouma, attended to celebrate our volunteer firefighters. Over 60 per cent of Ontario’s firefighters are volunteers, and across Haldimand-Norfolk … Continue reading “Firefighters have our backs, and we have their’s”
By MPP Toby Barrett The public appetite to protect and promote our natural environment continues to grow. With the majority of southern Ontario’s land base under private ownership, it remains critical to engage those who own the land as conservation partners on the working landscape – a landscape where farmers and stakeholders can work collaboratively … Continue reading “ALUS program puts the farmer in the driver’s seat”
By MPP Toby Barrett The province has brought in interim animal protection measures, which are a temporary solution until a better permanent system is in place by next January. Animal welfare legislation has been enforced by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) since 1919, however, the OSPCA recently decided to … Continue reading “Steps to better animal welfare enforcement”