By MPP Toby Barrett We have inherited a great Ontario from the ‘World War II generation’ – an Ontario that is now in debt to the tune of $281 billion. If we in the ‘Baby Boom Generation’ can’t pay off this debt, how can we expect the next generation to do it? What right do … Continue reading “Who gets to pay off Ontario’s $281 billion debt?”
Category: Column Articles
By MPP Toby Barrett Hot on the heels of a damning Fraser its Institute report calling out government for costly Green Energy plan that finds us paying with lost jobs and higher rates, comes Auditor General Jim McCarter’s scathing review of the political decision to scrap the Mississauga Greenfield gas plant. The now powerless plant … Continue reading “How we got one power plant for the price of two”
By MPP Toby Barrett For much of the last decade, locally we have been saying what a recently released Fraser Institute report has concluded. Specifically, the Green Energy Act, and its industrial wind turbines, “is now 10 times more costly than installing pollution-control equipment on existing coal plants.” Some 10 years after coal closure commitments, … Continue reading “Turbines 10x more costly than coal retrofit”
By MPP Toby Barrett Last week the world recognized the passing of the iron-willed Margaret Thatcher, the first female British Prime Minister and iconic figure once described as, “perhaps the most admired, hated, fascinating, boring, radical and conservative leader in the Western world.” While opinions vary on her politics, there is little argument she was … Continue reading “How would Margaret Thatcher address our economy?”
By MPP Toby Barrett The economy of Haldimand, Norfolk and much of Ontario is still struggling. The good news is there is hope. Rural Ontario has the unrivalled work ethic and the raw materials needed to forge a modern, dynamic economic recovery. The management firm McKinsey & Company, predicts by 2025 emerging countries will spend … Continue reading “We can ignite a comeback for rural communities”
By MPP Toby Barrett Cyprus has been in the news of late – on the path to join other fiscal and economic basket-cases like Spain and Greece. The island nation has launched an ill-advised ‘tax-the-rich’ scheme potentially subtracting up to 30 per cent of the money in people’s bank accounts over $125,000. In 2001, Spain … Continue reading “So what should we do when the money runs out?”
By MPP Toby Barrett Agriculture is a major component of our local and provincial economy as well as our social and cultural life. And we are all in need of a constant reminder of the importance of agriculture and food – a sector that rivals auto. Agri-food accounts for $7 billion in wages and salaries … Continue reading “Ontario benefits from a strong agri-food economy”
By MPP Toby Barrett Our Great Lakes are facing challenges – we see the impact of low water and high phosphorus levels, and, more recently, have become aware of the potential devastating impact stemming from the threat of an Asian carp invasion. The overwhelming concern with Asian carp – bighead carp and the jumping silver … Continue reading “A possible Great Lakes Asian carp invasion?”
By MPP Toby Barrett We have government for a number of reasons – one being to ensure taxpayers’ money going to government programs is being used appropriately. This has not been the case with the convoluted program known as Ornge. Investigation of the scandal surrounding Ornge air ambulance has been on hiatus for the past … Continue reading “Ornge Air Ambulance – who is minding the store?”
A new fiscal reality requires a new approach By MPP Toby BarrettWe face a new fiscal reality in Ontario and we have to be prepared to take a new approach. We face the biggest jobs and debt crisis of our lifetime. This crisis requires confident and meaningful action. Last week I attended meetings of the … Continue reading “A new fiscal reality requires a new approach”