Heading for highest hydro rates in North America

By MPP Toby Barrett As the cost of electricity climbs because of green energy schemes, people continue to fight the conga-line of industrial wind turbines snaking around rural Ontario. Locally, opponents to the Next Era Summerhaven Wind project in Haldimand County are pursuing a legal challenge. Haldimand Wind Concerns and Bill Monture of Six Nations … Continue reading “Heading for highest hydro rates in North America”

First S&P, now Moody’s downgrade of Ontario’s credit

By MPP Toby Barrett While Premier McGuinty was busy celebrating the passing of the 2012 budget and his “tax-the-rich” scheme, two world-renowned credit rating agencies were poised to wallop the Premier with some bad news. Last Wednesday, Standard and Poor’s downgraded Ontario’s economic outlook from stable to negative, and just a day later the other … Continue reading “First S&P, now Moody’s downgrade of Ontario’s credit”

Priorities not reflected in government legislation

By MPP Toby Barrett As Ontario’s minority government pulled us closer to the precipice of an election – with a projected $30.2 billion deficit – actual work on proposed legislation had virtually ground to a halt. While people I talk to express ardent concern about jobs, the economy, electricity hikes, horse racing and wind turbines, … Continue reading “Priorities not reflected in government legislation”

Ontario’s budget is going down the wrong path

By MPP Toby Barrett “In my job I try, every day, to imagine Ontario as I’d like it to be. A place with a hopeful future. Where opportunities abound for people willing to work hard, and take risks to succeed. A place that offers the highest quality of life available anywhere.” – Opposition Leader Tim … Continue reading “Ontario’s budget is going down the wrong path”

The complex, convoluted network that is ORNGE

By MPP Toby Barrett The scandal surrounding ORNGE air ambulance has been in the headlines and the talk around many coffee shops as of late. As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, I’ve had an opportunity to examine this situation up close through both Auditor General Jim McCarter’s report and testimony before the committee. … Continue reading “The complex, convoluted network that is ORNGE”

A budget for more deficit, debt and decline

By MPP Toby Barrett Staring down the barrel of a forecasted $30.2 billion deficit and a $411.4 billion debt Ontario’s economic future is at stake. Many expected more than deferred spending, voluntary wage freezes and pension tweaks from the province’s touted belt-tightening budget. This 2012-13 budget misses the mark. It does not address Ontario’s jobs … Continue reading “A budget for more deficit, debt and decline”

When democracy is sabotaged we see bad results

By MPP Toby Barrett Of late, MPPs of all stripes have been debating a piece of legislation which was crafted in response to the infamous G20 regulation. You may recall before the G20 Summit in Toronto, the McGuinty government approved draconian measures to be taken without telling anybody. The government at the time was heavily … Continue reading “When democracy is sabotaged we see bad results”

Wind policy that turns its back on rural Ontario

By MPP Toby Barrett The wind tower debate continues to rage at Queens Park. Haldimand and Norfolk residents joined the fray recently, staging a silent and chilling protest, standing in the visitor’s gallery to turn their backs on Liberal/NDP legislators? ?who had just voted against a wind moratorium?. A busload of about 30 locals joined … Continue reading “Wind policy that turns its back on rural Ontario”

Restore accountability to ORNGE air ambulance

By MPP Toby Barrett Well over a year ago, Ontario’s Opposition first warned that provincial health care dollars were improperly subsidizing a complex web of for-profit companies. Health Minister Deb Matthews ignored these warnings and rather than taking action, she defended Ontario’s air ambulance company, known as ORNGE. It is ironic that the “A” is … Continue reading “Restore accountability to ORNGE air ambulance”

Toward smaller, smarter, affordable government

By MPP Toby Barrett Recent meetings of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) gave MPP’s an opportunity to recognize the important work local councils are doing in these difficult times. To that end, the provincial government must work with municipalities as partners to combat our jobs and spending crises. And this can be accomplished by … Continue reading “Toward smaller, smarter, affordable government”