By MPP Toby Barrett “meet the new boss, same as the old boss” – Pete Townsend As Lieutenant Governor David Onley closed the book on the Throne Speech, it was clear that while some faces may have changed, the song remains the same for a government bent on overspending and underdelivering to the people of … Continue reading “Throne Speech–the song remains the same”
Category: Column Articles
Inspire us to decisions which establish and maintain a land of prosperity and righteousness where freedom prevails and where justice rules. – Speaker’s Prayer By MPP Toby Barrett The day a handful of people blockaded the entrance to Douglas Creek Estates seven years ago, I crossed the floor of the Ontario Legislature to ask the … Continue reading “February marks seventh anniversary of Caledonia”
By MPP Toby Barrett The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, and health conditions affecting the brain can by among the most debilitating and challenging. Yet mental health and addiction has for too long been treated as an afterthought in our health system. Ontario must confront the human and economic toll … Continue reading “Integrate mental health and addictions into the system”
By MPP Toby Barrett “We’re going to build on the work that Dalton McGuinty has done over the last nine years. Absolutely.”~ Kathleen Wynne. Ontario is spending $8.5 billion more on education than in 2003, despite 250,000 fewer students. At the same time test scores are down in key areas like math and science. It’s … Continue reading “Put students ahead of teacher union bosses”
By MPP Toby Barrett It’s been said many times over, that the best social program is a job. Work provides self-worth, dignity and independence. But Ontario has 500,000 people on unemployment and over 450,000 on welfare. The Official Opposition has a multi-faceted plan to change this. It’s time to wake up our social welfare system. … Continue reading “The best social assistance program is a job”
By MPP Toby Barrett Last week Opposition Leader Tim Hudak and I launched Paths to Prosperity: Welfare to Work. This white paper proposes to transform a system that is failing both social assistance recipients and taxpayers. Our first policy suggestion is generating debate: In order to get people into jobs faster, we will adopt the … Continue reading “The case for integrating welfare and disability”
By MPP Toby Barrett A decade ago, as Mr. McGuinty and others launched their anti-coal crusade, I recall then Premier Ernie Eves cutting through the rhetoric and separating fact from fiction: “If the leader of the official opposition is suggesting to the people of Ontario that doing what he suggests be done, even though he … Continue reading “Pride in 40 years of reliable, affordable energy”
By MPP Toby Barrett It is possible for all of us to once again have a vibrant and expanding private sector and a civil service that is a model for excellence. All we need is a government with vision, a clear plan and the willingness to make the tough decisions to get us there. For … Continue reading “Deficit spending is like a dog chasing its tail”
By MPP Toby Barrett “This medal is an opportunity to come together as a nation, to celebrate service and to see how we are brought together through action and by the very fact that Canada’s heritage is forever linked to the Crown.” – Prime Minister Harper Year 2012 marked celebrations of the 60th anniversary of … Continue reading “We honour Her Majesty, and remarkable Canadians”
By MPP Toby Barrett It was a letter from an eight-year-old New York girl in 1897 that confirmed the existence of Santa forever. “VIRGINIA” who penned the letter to the New York Sun, asked poignantly if her friends were correct in doubting the existence of Santa Claus. The response was as timeless as it was … Continue reading “Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus – N.Y. Sun”