By MPP Toby Barrett Ontario needs to cultivate an enthusiastic generation of people interested in a career in agri-food — to grow our economy and to carry on one of Ontario’s finest traditions. Currently, what’s being offered in our school system is a bit of a sad state as today’s curriculum doesn’t contain much with … Continue reading “A need for agri-food career info in our schools”
Category: Column Articles
By MPP Toby Barrett Most Ontario residents don’t support the Hydro One fire sale. Environics Research found 83 per cent of Ontarians oppose the sale, yet government is forging ahead. In rural Ontario, virtually all residents are served by Hydro One. A resounding 166 municipalities, most of which are rural, have passed resolutions opposing the … Continue reading “Most feel selling Hydro One is not a good idea”
By MPP Toby Barrett Former Norfolk Power customers just received their first Hydro One bill since the sale of the local utility. These initial bills have up to an additional 17 days of consumption included. This is allegedly to provide billing closer to the time customers use electricity. As people bring their electricity bill into … Continue reading ““How can I afford to pay my bill from Hydro One?””
By MPP Toby Barrett At the time of Confederation in 1867, municipal government wasn’t very important – this according to Gary McNamara, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. In his recent keynote speech at AMO, McNamara stressed things have changed. Municipalities now provide most of the services people care about, including water, roads, … Continue reading “Re-calibrating provincial-municipal relationships”
By MPP Toby Barrett Newly-elected MPP Patrick Brown brings a bit of fresh air with his arrival at Queen’s Park. As Opposition Leader, he is repositioning an approach unique to his work ethic and leadership style. In his first news conference of the session, he stressed: “We’re going to be sincere – I believe there … Continue reading “Brown brings a bit of fresh air to Queen’s Park”
By MPP Toby Barrett Queen Elizabeth II is the only British Monarch in history properly trained to change a spark plug! This statement, put out by British Forces News, exemplifies the character of our Queen. Last Wednesday, Sept. 9th, we were afforded an opportunity to reflect on the historic 63-year reign-to-date of one of the … Continue reading “Elizabeth II is now our longest reigning Monarch”
By MPP Toby Barrett This summer’s resurgence of the Dunnville Fair – new location, new attractions – bodes well for the coming season of fall fairs and festivals. Hard on the heels of Tillsonburg’s show, we can attend Langton, Houghton and the Donnybrook fairs – if you haven’t been, it’s worth exploring the smaller exhibitions … Continue reading “Lots of things for us to see and do this autumn!”
By MPP Toby Barrett The recent discovery of two Asian carp in a pond in Toronto stands as a stark reminder of the potential cost and the need for education with respect to the ongoing problem of invasive species. Exactly how those two fish ended up in an enclosed pond might never be known, it’s … Continue reading “Invasive species merit redirection of awareness and funding”
By MPP Toby Barrett The current government is known for floating policy that makes great headlines and soundbites in the media but not so great results when it comes to implementation. The Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, or ORPP for short, is a recent example. Instead of promoting financial literacy and encouraging people to make their … Continue reading “New payroll pension tax will be a job killer”
By MPP Toby Barrett So many rural property owners have trespassing stories in Haldimand-Norfolk and beyond. They can range from people picking trilliums, hunting without permission to more serious incidents involving drunk driving in fields, burning barns and theft. Unfortunately, the Trespass to Property Act as it’s currently written does not adequately address the protection … Continue reading “A proposal to beef up the law on trespassing”