By MPP Toby Barrett William George “Billy” Barker is the most decorated serviceman in the history of Canada and the British Empire. Barker is one of our country’s most renowned First World War flying aces and interestingly, has roots in Norfolk County – in the village of Lynedoch. A fascinating fact my Executive Assistant Bobbi Ann … Continue reading “Deadliest air fighter who ever lived farmed in Norfolk”
Category: Column Articles
By MPP Toby Barrett Last year I was asked by our area’s 69th Field Battery Association – of which I am a member – to see if Ontario’s Soldiers’ Aid Commission could do more for our veterans. I looked in to the matter and was happy to report that the government was considering expanding the mandate … Continue reading “Modernizing the Ontario Soldiers’ Aid Commission”
By MPP Toby Barrett I have heard from so many who find Ontario family law frustrating. The sentiment being that the only winner is the lawyer. In my opinion, there shouldn’t be a winner but rather a process that puts families – especially children — first. The Ontario government has introduced legislation that, once passed, … Continue reading “Ontario making family law less complex; less expensive”
By MPP Toby Barrett We are blessed with a diverse natural environment across Haldimand-Norfolk, and it’s with mixed feelings I’m back in the big city to work indoors at Queen’s Park. Like so many I represent, I enjoy working and playing outdoors. I’ve been fortunate to work indoors in Toronto addressing the outdoors with my various assigned … Continue reading “Working indoors at Queen’s Park for the great outdoors”
By MPP Toby Barrett On September 17, I had an opportunity to join debate in the Ontario Legislature on the significance of the Magna Carta. September 17 also marked the 228th anniversary of the day in 1792 when John Graves Simcoe first convened parliament in Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake) – the parliament in which I represent Haldimand-Norfolk. … Continue reading “Magna Carta has relevance for Haldimand-Norfolk today”
By MPP Toby Barrett Unlike the past, this school year in Ontario will see students working in classrooms while some will be remotely learning from home. Many parents, students and teachers have concerns about back to school. However, there are also concerns about not opening. Experts, like Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, as well as doctors … Continue reading “A comprehensive plan to re-open schools safely”
By MPP Toby Barrett National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day – Sept. 19 – will take on a new meaning this fall. For many, there will be a renewed emphasis on wild food in their diets. With the suspension of activities, many families have turned to the outdoors for entertainment and fun. Sales of fishing rods, boats … Continue reading “Hunting, trapping and fishing take on new meaning”
By MPP Toby Barrett On February 28, 2006, as MPPs began to assemble at Queen’s Park for afternoon Question Period, I was alerted by a colleague that construction workers were being driven out of a subdivision in my riding, in Caledonia. As a Member of the Opposition, I crossed the floor and sat down with … Continue reading “Caledonia: We can learn from precedents that have been set”
The spirit that built our area will continue to pull us through
By MPP Toby Barrett There is little doubt 2020 and the COVID pandemic will be a piece of history taught in the future. While there have been pandemics before with higher death tolls, never before has a virus brought the entire planet to a halt in the age of global travel and modern medicine. Globally there have … Continue reading “The spirit that built our area will continue to pull us through”
By Toby Barrett, MPP Covid-19 has been one of our greatest challenges. We are all touched by it. Although older people are more vulnerable, children are at risk and must be protected. But, moving forward, they must be protected and educated. The Ontario government is maintaining the flexibility to do what’s needed to maximize the learning experience … Continue reading “Investment and respect for students and parents”