News
Releases
2006
December
20, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett backs Tory call to open
justice system
Queen’s Park) – It’s high time that the people
of this province be allowed insight into Ontario’s justice system
to see if it is working to keep families safe.
[ Read more ]
December
20, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett updates Legislature on
Caledonia
(Queen’s Park) – After 296 days of occupation at
the Douglas Creek Estates subdivision in Caledonia - and as the year draws
to a close with no end in sight - Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett
highlighted the ongoing situation at Queens Park today.[
Read more ]
December
20, 2006 -For immediate release
What are you doing over the holidays?
As we all scramble to prepare for Christmas season festivities,
I’d like to present what our office will be doing to celebrate the
magic of this special time of year.[
Read more ]
December
18, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett meets face-to-face regarding
Delhi licensing office
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett
followed up with Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield, on a question
asked in the House several weeks ago regarding the license-issuing office
in Delhi.[ Read more ]
December
13, 2006 -For immediate release
MCGuinty breaks Promises to Caledonia
Winter approaches with protestors still on land and no compensation
for residents
(Queen’s Park) –
Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today pressed Dalton McGuinty
to explain why he’s broken his promises to Caledonia residents during
the ongoing protest there.[ Read more
]
December
12, 2006 -For immediate release
MPPs Arnott, Barrett and Ontario Cattlemen’s Association meet U.S.
Consul General in Toronto
Press for swift action on border issues for Ontario beef producers
Toronto—Waterloo-Wellington MPP
Ted Arnott and Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett, along with Ontario
Cattlemen’s Association President Ian McKillop and Executive Director
Dave Stewart, met with U.S. Consul General John Nay in Toronto on December
11th. [ Read more ]
December
11, 2006 -For immediate release
Some observations on the Christmas Truce of 1914
“Just you think that while you were eating your turkey…I was
out talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill
a few hours before!” –British soldier, WWI
The First World War began August 1914, and by October,
opposing forces were digging trenches across northeastern France.[
Read more ]
December
07, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett says Supply Management is paramount in raw milk debate
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett today
told the Ontario Legislature that milk producers could reinforce political
support for supply management, if they were given the chance to educate
an all-party task force on raw milk issues.
As Agriculture Critic, Barrett reiterated
that John Tory and PC Caucus unequivocally support supply management.
Every PC MPP has signed the Farmgate5 petition in support of supply management
– something 31 Liberal MPPs refuse to do.[
Read more ]
December
06, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett disgusted by government waste
Says provincial government ‘flushing taxpayer money down the
toilet’
Queen’s Park – MPP Toby Barrett rose
today in the Ontario Legislature, to condemn the spending abuses revealed
by the Auditor General’s report.
“Mr. McGuinty, you are the link
between the hardworking taxpayers of Ontario, and these intolerable spending
abuses tolerated by your government,” Barrett said in the Legislature.
“This is not about letting somebody else take the fall. This is
about leadership.”[ Read more
]
December
05, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett encourages Province to act quickly on tobacco exit plan
Queen's Park- Today MPP Toby Barrett continued his
fight for an exit-strategy for Ontario's beleaguered tobacco farmers.
"I encourage this McGuinty government
to act quickly on a tobacco exit strategy which they've been ignoring
far too long," the Haldimand-Norfolk Brant MPP said in the Ontario
Legislature. "Government interference has decimated the industry
and[ Read more ]
December
01, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett halts debate in Ontario Legislature in protest
Move comes after Ontarians silenced on controversial human rights
legislation
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby
Barrett has twice shut down the Ontario Legislature in as many weeks,
as part of a campaign to protest the Ontario Government’s decision
to silence Ontarians – including the most vulnerable – on
human rights legislation.[ Read more
]
November
29, 2006 -For immediate release
Long-term care act – Seniors deserve better
The Ontario Government is receiving unprecedented
opposition to the proposed Long-Term Care Homes Act.
After meeting with various stakeholders,
I’ve realized the proposed long-term care act is fundamentally flawed.
It creates separate tiers of seniors’ care, and represents another
broken promise by Premier McGuinty.[
Read more ]
November 23,
2006 -For immediate release
Ag Minister went to Calgary empty-handed
Provincial Minister passed the buck and blamed the federal
government: Barrett
Queen’s Park—During today’s
Question Period, MPP Toby Barrett – Opposition Agriculture Critic
– asked the Minister of Agriculture why she refused to advocate
on behalf of Ontario’s farmers at this month’s Federal/Provincial
Ministers’ meeting.[ Read more
]
November 22,
2006 -For immediate release
Barrett demands delivery of Caledonia compensation
It’s time for McGuinty government to stop passing the
buck on its promise: Barrett
Queen’s Park—During today’s
Question Period, MPP Toby Barrett reminded the Minister of Municipal Affairs
that he is 156 days late on his promise to compensate Caledonia homeowners[
Read more ]
November
17, 2006 -For immediate release
Ontario’s coal closure follies continue
Last week the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) recommended coal
generation be maintained until 2014. If the OPA directive is followed,
this would mark the third time the McGuinty government has been forced
to revise its coal policy – a policy that I’ve considered
hare-brained from the get-go.[ Read
more ]
November
16, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett backs Clean and Affordable Energy Alliance
Clean Air technology adds fuel to coal-fire debate
Queen’s Park – A Queens
Park media conference put on by the CAE (Clean and Affordable Energy)
Alliance echoed MPP Toby Barrett’s sentiments on the potential for
clean and affordable energy from coal.[
Read more ]
October 27,
2006 -For immediate release
Long-Term Care Homes Bill Short on Solutions
Barrett laments lacklustre bill leaves long-term care facilities
in the lurch
Queen’s Park— Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP
Toby Barrett says the government’s proposed Long-Term Care Homes
Act lacks dedication to funding and support for Ontario’s most vulnerable
residents.
“This bill fails to address the real problems
faced by long-term care facilities,” Barrett claimed. “Currently
36,000 seniors are lying in antiquated beds. Convicts in prison eat better
quality meals. No regulations exist to protect residents from extreme
temperature fluctuations, which is enough to threaten the well-being of
those in perfect health. I see no plan to rectify these unfortunate conditions.”
[ Read
more ]
October 27, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett exposes Liberal divisions over agriculture
Deputy Premier, 31 Liberals oppose Supply
Management
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett
exposed divisions at the highest levels of the McGuinty Liberal government
over supply management, yesterday in the Ontario Legislature.[
Read more ]
October 24,
2006 -For immediate release
Too many unanswered questions in tobacco country
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant
MPP Toby Barrett stood in the Ontario Legislature again to raise awareness
of the devastation occurring in tobacco farm country.
This came on the heels of news that the Ontario Flue-Cured
Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board has sent out notices to all 150
employees of the Delhi auction exchange indicating that the 2006 market
will be their last season[
Read more ]
October 20, 2006 -For immediate release
Transportation Minister caught flat-footed on Delhi licensing office
Queen’s Park – “I will have to get
more information from you, because I actually don't have the answer around
that particular office.”
That was the response Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP
Toby Barrett received from Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield yesterday
when he asked what happened to the re-opening of the licence renewal office
in Delhi. [
Read more ]
October 18, 2006 -For immediate release
Barrett welcomes Chicken Farmers of Ontario to Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett saluted the
Chicken Farmers of Ontario today, in a statement in the Ontario Legislature.
“The Chicken Farmers of Ontario are here
today,” Barrett said in the Legislature. “…to educate
all of us on issues facing their industry[
Read more ]
October 17, 2006 -For immediate release
McGuinty has double standard on tobacco
Liberals scramble to determine ‘who is in charge
Queen’s Park – Despite its war on tobacco farmers, the
McGuinty government appears to be quietly embracing tobacco advertising
along Provincial Highway 6, MPP Toby Barrett charged today in the Ontario
Legislature[ Read
more ]
October 13,
2006 -For immediate release
Note: MPP Toby Barrett sent the following letter and Hansard transcript to constituents today, stressing the importance of safety for the October 15 rally in Caledonia.
Hello, Toby here,
Just returned from Friday the 13th. Addressed the opening ceremonies, and also spoke with many – ranging from Hells Angels to Christian Bikers. In 25 years I have never seen fists fly at PD 13– something people from all sides at the barricades in Caledonia might want to consider. For me, safety is a top priority on October 15. [ Read more ]
October 11, 2006 - Source Water Protection fails litmus test – MPP Barrett
Queen’s Park— Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett says the government’s source water protection bill penalizes property owners while failing to live up to its name.
Barrett says the proposed legislation deals primarily with placing regulations on land within defined proximities of municipal wellheads including steep fines of up to $100,000/day for non-compliance. [ Read more ]
October 4, 2006 - What happened to Caledonia homeowner assistance?
Barrett demands delivery of promised money
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett condemned the McGuinty government today in the Legislature, for failing to make good on its promise to provide emergency financial assistance to homeowners in Caledonia.
“On June 16, housing Minister Gerretsen issued a press release promising emergency funding for homeowners in Caledonia,” Barrett told the Legislature. “But we know that Ontarians have put up with three years of broken promises from this McGuinty government.” [ Read more ]
September 28, 2006 - Legislation for vulnerable children passes final debate
Barrett reiterates support for Kevin & Jared’s Law past due
Queen’s Park— Kevin & Jared’s Law will provide valuable insight into the shortcomings of a system that has allowed innocent children to die while on court ordered supervised or unsupervised access according to Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett. [ Read more ]
September 27, 2006 - SCOTT TAKES LIBERALS TO TASK
Questions Commitment of London Area Liberal MPP
(Toronto, ON) – Laurie Scott, Progressive Conservative Environment Critic, today stated to the Ontario Legislature that the concerns of the residents of London area residents have not been the focus of the local McGuintly Liberal MPP’s.
“I would hope that Minister Peters, the member for Elgin-Middlesex-London, in whose riding the Green Lane Landfill site is located, has stood up for his constituents,” said Scott. “The local residents need the assurance that the parameters of any deal to bring waste from Toronto to Green Lane would not place the good people of that area in a position of being left with nowhere to bring their trash.” [ Read more ]
September 26, 2006 - SIX QUESTIONS ON CALEDONIA
“We are proud of the way that we have managed this difficult, complex situation.”
- Dalton McGuinty
Queens Park – After six questions from Ontario PC Leader John Tory, it’s clear the Premier still has no handle on the ongoing Caledonia/ Six Nations land dispute. [ Read more ]
September 20, 2006 - Four month delay for farm funding
…too little…too late….and still no long-term planning
Courtland – P.C. Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett says Dalton McGuinty’s show and sham politics have put Ontario farmers at a competitive disadvantage after the Liberals announced funding that many producers outside the province pocketed up to four months ago. [ Read more ]
September 18, 2006 - McGuinty broken promises breaking backs of farmers
Stall tactics and delays keep farmers far from promised money
Peterborough – PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett is joining Party Leader John Tory today in calling on Dalton McGuinty to end the waiting game for Ontario’s farmers.
“Ontario farmers have been waiting four months now for Dalton McGuinty to announce Ontario’s participation in the federal initiative for a more accurate inventory valuation system through CAIS – a move that would provide additional funding and start to flow the funds immediately,” said Barrett. “Instead of moving ahead to get needed support dollars to our farmers, Mr. McGuinty and Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky continue to play politics – they were a no-show at the Outdoor Farm Show, and we’ll just have to wait and see what they have in store for the Plowing Match.”[ Read more ]
August 16, 2006 - Barrett supports new deal for rural municipalities
Says ‘fiscal imbalance’ not solved by imposing more burdens and regulations
Ottawa—Under the backdrop of yesterday’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, MPP Toby Barrett called on the McGuinty government to stop making promises, and to start making commitments on a new deal for rural communities. [ Read more ]
August 11, 2006 - Farm safety requires all partners working together
As I travel the three counties of our riding, I remain amazed by our agricultural diversity. Students, adults, and migrant workers have flooded onto many local farms to bring in the harvest. This raises the important issue of farm safety.
Several years ago, I served as President of the Norfolk Farm Safety Association. Then – as now – farm workers were at greater risk for accidents and injuries than workers in other fields. As well, one would never see a child playing at a steel mill or a construction site – but children often mow the grass in kiln-yards or help out on the hay wagons. This raises the need to be constantly vigilant to prevent accidents and injuries. [ Read more ]
August 11, 2006 - Court ruling validates Barrett’s position on Caledonia
Will government comply with Judge’s order? – Barrett
Simcoe—“Today’s court ruling is further proof that Premier McGuinty condones the suspension of the rule of law” – Barrett
Upon receiving word that Cayuga Court Justice T. David Marshall ordered the suspension of negotiations until the rule of law is restored, MPP Toby Barrett condemned the McGuinty government for condoning the criminal contempt of court. [ Read more ]
August 1, 2006 - Failed energy policy and heat wave make dangerous combination: Barrett
Simcoe—MPP Toby Barrett lashed out at the provincial government today for its mishandling of the vital electricity portfolio.
“Today we broke a record for electricity use in Ontario,” said Barrett. “With the increases in population, combined with record temperatures, few rational people should be surprised by our electricity demand.” [ Read more ]
July 31 , 2006 - FIVE MONTHS OF DISRESPECT AND LAWLESSNESS MUST STOP
Tory calls for McGuinty to start showing Ontarians he is serious about law and order
(Caledonia, ON) – Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today called on Dalton McGuinty to start upholding the rule of law in Caledonia and act to protect residents here and across Ontario.
“Ontarians want to know their government is on their side to keep them safe,” said Tory. “Dalton McGuinty should be acting to do everything possible to swiftly and completely return the rule of law to Caledonia and send a message that the law must be obeyed everywhere in this province, by everybody.” [ Read more ]
July 26, 2006 - Convenience stores deserve fairness from government- Barrett
Newmarket—MPP Toby Barrett outlined last night how the McGuinty government’s tobacco policy will harm corner stores, in an address to the Ontario Korean Businessmen’s Association.
“You are the unintended victims of this process,” Barrett said. “You’re the victims of a lack of consultation – from a government that sees no problem in changing the rules halfway through the game.” [ Read more ]
July 7 , 2006 - Tobacco country waiting for exit plan
In the past, life on the tobacco farm was a good one – families worked hard and at the end of harvest were comfortably rewarded.
In the early 1970s, when I primed tobacco, 3,200 farmers were growing a record crop of 238 million pounds. [ Read more ]
June 30 , 2006 - Let’s keep the trillium logo: Barrett
Calls on McGuinty Liberals to repay taxpayers $219,000
Caledonia—MPP Toby Barrett today made a push to save the Ontario government’s historic symbol from attempts by the McGuinty Liberals to change it for their own partisan purposes.
“Dalton McGuinty is playing politics with Ontario’s symbol,” said Barrett. “This is a partisan-based waste of taxpayers money and that is why I am calling on the McGuinty Liberals to scrap this change. I have been an MPP since 1995, and not once have I heard someone say to me that their top priority for Ontario’s well-being was a new logo.” [ Read more ]
June 21 , 2006 - Caledonia homeowners track down McGuinty in Toronto
Summer recess not a vacation from ongoing land dispute: Barrett
Toronto—Two busloads of Caledonia homeowners went to Toronto today, to press the Ontario Government, both at the Premier’s Summit held at the Toronto Convention Centre, and at the Ontario Legislature. [ Read more ]
June 19 , 2006 - Provincial government won’t answer on Burtch transfer- again
People want to know-‘is it on the table, or is it not?’ -Barrett
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett again asked about the provincial government’s intentions for the Burtch property, today at the Legislature, but the Minister continued to refuse to answer.
“On Friday night, I attended a town hall meeting about the Burtch Correctional Centre and the Six Nations land dispute,” Barrett told the Acting Premier. “Is the Burtch property up for grabs at the land rights negotiating table?” [ Read more ]
June 19 , 2006 - Barrett speaks up for Caledonia families
Says ‘forgotten families’ need communication from government
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett spoke up for the local families that are impacted by the land dispute, during Question Period today at the Legislature.
“On Friday, we knocked on doors in the Caledonia subdivision adjacent to the occupied site,” Barrett told the Legislature. “You will know the turmoil and the tension within those families, within that subdivision.” [ Read more ]
June 7, 2006 - New Transport Minister unaware of Caledonia traffic chaos
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett brought Caledonia’s traffic chaos to the Minister of Transportation, today in the Legislature, but was provided with no new information on efforts to open the Highway 6 bypass.
“It’s my understanding you’ve made no progress,” Barrett told the Minister. “I can attest that’s a disaster.” [ Read more ]
June 6 , 2006 - Green light for Caledonia inquiry
Legislature calls for inquiry on procrastination and failed leadership
Queen’s Park—Toby Barrett joined other MPPs in the Ontario Legislature yesterday to pass a motion calling for a public inquiry on the McGuinty government’s ongoing failure to communicate and show leadership on the Caledonia/Six Nations land dispute. [ Read more ]
June 6 , 2006 - Barrett appeals for leadership on sports in Caledonia and Six Nations
Says nobody wins when nobody plays
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett reiterated his plea for leadership from the Ministry of Health Promotion, during today’s Question Period in the Ontario Legislature, as youth sports continue to be disrupted as a result of the ongoing dispute in Caledonia and Six Nations. [ Read more ]
May 29 , 2006 - McGuinty government ignored warnings on Caledonia blackout
Minister admits multiple warnings went unheeded
Queen’s Park—The Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs shocked the Ontario Legislature today, when he admitted that he was warned multiple times of the threat to the Caledonia-area electricity system before last week’s blackouts. [ Read more ]
May 29 , 2006 - Barrett exposes McGuinty government’s inaction on Caledonia
Calls for plan to open Southern Ontario Railway and Hwy 6
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett used a statement in the Ontario Legislature to say the McGuinty government is doing nothing to open the Highway 6 bypass, and nothing to re-open the railroad through Caledonia. [ Read more ]
May 23 , 2006 - Lack of leadership compounds land dispute: Barrett
Caledonia/Six Nations— “Premier McGuinty’s refusal to accept my invitation to come to Caledonia and Six Nations exemplifies the vacuum of leadership on the land dispute”—Barrett
As tensions continued in Caledonia, MPP Toby Barrett slammed Premier McGuinty for refusing to visit, failing to communicate with people in the area on the negotiations, and declining to take a leadership role in resolving the dispute. [ Read more ]
May 17 , 2006 - Barrett invites Cabinet to Caledonia on Friday
“Observe tourists trying to navigate the blockades”
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett slammed the provincial government for its failure to provide a plan to accommodate tourist traffic in Caledonia and along the highway 6 corridor, yesterday in the Legislature.
“We have heard rumours of progress on this file, but as of yet, tourists have been taking a lengthy, convoluted and quite confusing detour, quite confusing even for local residents, to get around the area of Caledonia, to attempt to continue on down provincial Highway 6 to Lake Erie,” Barrett told the Legislature. “The May 24 weekend is coming, and all of these communities need a big tourist weekend, especially given the dramatic loss of business sustained to date.” [ Read more ]
May 9 , 2006 - McGuinty government in the dark on land dispute: Barrett
-chorus of concern on chaos in Caledonia
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett told the Legislature today that the provincial government has created a boondoggle by failing to provide leadership on the Caledonia land dispute.
Barrett joined Opposition Leader, John Tory, and MPP Garfield Dunlop in questioning the provincial government on the new blockades, the power line replacement project, and the policing costs of Caledonia. [ Read more ]
May 3 , 2006 - Transport Minister still AWOL on Caledonia traffic
Barrett says Liberal government confused about who is in charge
Queen’s Park—Yesterday in the Legislature, MPP Toby Barrett continued to press for a comprehensive strategy to properly route and inform motorists in and around Caledonia.
“Last week I asked you questions about the detours around Caledonia, provincial Highway 6, and you did not answer,” Barrett told the Minister of Transportation. “Minister, will you inform this House and the drivers in the Caledonia area what you’re doing to facilitate the movement of vehicles, not only around the periphery of Caledonia, but also within Caledonia?” . [ Read more ]
April 26, 2006 - Transport Minister refuses to address Caledonia woes: Barrett
Minister ducks two questions in the Legislature
Queen’s Park— Twice during Wednesday’s Question Period, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Harinder Takhar, refused to answer questions about the traffic problems around Caledonia. [ Read more ]
April 26, 2006 - Barrett/Hudak submit Caledonia petitions
Let’s send the government a message: Barrett
Queen’s Park—MPPs Toby Barrett and Tim Hudak submitted petitions calling for leadership in the Caledonia land dispute, yesterday in the Ontario Legislature.
“I have a petition titled ‘we demand leadership in land dispute’ directed towards the Legislative Assembly of Ontario,” Barrett told the Legislature. “These names were collected last night, and I affix my signature to this.” [ Read more ]
April 25, 2006 - Barrett speaks to crowd at Caledonia
Says residents want solutions, not finger-pointing from McGuinty government
Caledonia—Last night at the Caledonia rally, MPP Toby Barrett told residents that the time has come for the McGuinty government to finally show some leadership in resolving the Caledonia land dispute.
“From day one, my office has contacted the Provincial Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs,” Barrett said in a megaphone address to the crowd. “I’ve also hand-delivered a communication package to the Governor General in Ottawa.” [ Read more ]
March 23, 2006 - BUDGET 2006: ONTARIANS STILL PAYING MORE, GETTING LESS
Ontario’s economy falling behind while Liberals make even more promises destined to be broken
QUEEN’S PARK—The McGuinty Liberals are indulging in another year-end spending spree that will not improve the lives of Ontarians, while their reckless economic policy endangers Ontarians’ jobs and futures, says Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant. [ Read more ]
March 23, 2006 - McGuinty misses opportunity to support farmers on his doorstep
Weary farmers met with $244 million slash in agriculture spending
Queen’s Park – A missed opportunity.
That’s how PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett summed up the lack of attention paid to the much-publicized farm crises in today’s budget – a budget that has cut Ministry of Agriculture spending by $244 million. [ Read more ]
March 23, 2006 - McGuinty and Duncan stoke the fires in tobacco country
Desperate farmers are met with deep cuts to agriculture
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett expressed the outrage being felt by tobacco farmers after being left out in the cold by today’s budget.
“Leading up to the budget, we learned that the government was practically floating in extra money from high corporate and health taxes,” Barrett said outside the Legislature. “Over the past few weeks they have been spending our money like drunken sailors, purposely breaking their promise about deficit spending for a third consecutive year.” [ Read more ]
March 23, 2006 - More blame game from the Minister of Agriculture
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett took the Minister of Agriculture to task over the farm income crisis during Question Period today at Queen’s Park.
“Thousands of farm families are anticipating good news at 4 o’clock in this year’s budget,” Barrett told the Minister. “Will your budget meet their expectations, or have you again failed the farm families of Ontario?”[ Read more ]
March 9, 2006 - Barrett questions tuition hike during strike
Queen’s Park— MPP Toby Barrett spoke out against the McGuinty government’s fee-hike and strike crisis, today at Queen’s Park.
“What was he thinking,” an exasperated Barrett asked. “Mr. McGuinty has to be out of touch to introduce a tuition hike on the second day of a province-wide college teacher strike.” [ Read more ]
March 6, 2006 - Provincial Ag. funding falls short
Simcoe— Five months after first calling for provincial funding for struggling farmers, Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett says Ontario’s long-awaited response falls far short of the need in Rural Ontario. [ Read more ]
March 2, 2006 - Barrett votes for hands-free cell phone use when driving
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett spoke, and voted, in favour of a Private Members’ Bill restricting cell phone use while driving, today in the Legislature.
“From what I can see, documented need for this legislation and support certainly appears to be widespread,” Barrett informed MPPs in the House. “I see it as yet another opportunity to make highways safer for all of us.”[ Read more ]
March 2, 2006 - Barrett accuses Premier of undermining the integrity of Legislature
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett spoke out late last night in the Legislature against Premier McGuinty’s refusal to fire his Minister of Transportation
“I’m disappointed with our Premier’s lack of action with respect to the reckless behaviour of his appointed Minister of Transport,” Barrett told the Legislature. “Rather than choking off debate and compromising the integrity of this Legislature, I’m convinced that the Premier should be seeking his minister’s resignation.” [ Read more ]
March 2, 2006 - Six Nations
Queen’s Park— At the request of spokesperson Dawn Smith - on behalf of Six Nations people occupying land south of Caledonia - please find attached a letter from MPP Toby Barrett to Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice. [ Read more ]
March 1, 2006 - Barrett corners Minister of Agriculture over funding
Queen’s Park— “The Ontario farm protests are only growing in frequency as this government continues to turn a blind eye.”- Barrett
MPP Toby Barrett told the Legislature this afternoon that the provincial government is stalling on support for cash crops, even after the federal government accelerated payments to farmers. [ Read more ]
March 1, 2006 - Barrett petitions for individual land rights
Queens Park – MPP Toby Barrett stood on behalf of the Ontario Landowners Association and the Oxford- Norfolk-Elgin Landowners Association this week to petition the Legislature for individual land rights. [ Read more ]
February 27, 2006 - Barrett salutes creation of Ontario Landowners’ Association
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett rose in the Legislature today to congratulate the members of the Ontario Landowners’ Association (OLA) on their founding convention in Belleville this past weekend. [Read more]
February 24, 2006 - Barrett reports area energy concerns to Legislature
Queen’s Park— Two weeks after hearing from area residents at Justice Committee hearings in Simcoe, MPP Toby Barrett reported local concerns on Smart Meters and McGuinty energy policy in the Legislature last night. [Read more]
February 24, 2006 - No answer on Cash-Crop Crisis
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett’s continued to pressure on the provincial Minister of Agriculture for action on the Grain and Oilseed Risk Management Proposal was met with more empty words in the Legislature yesterday. [Read more]
February 23, 2006 - Barrett questions impact of LHINs on First Nations
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett underlined First Nations’ concerns about the McGuinty government’s proposed Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN) scheme yesterday in the Legislature. [Read more]
February 23, 2006 - Barrett concerned about new health bureaucracies
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett spoke out against the Ontario government’s Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) scheme to create large regionalized health bureaucracies yesterday in the Legislature. [Read more]
February 7, 2006 - Yakabuski and Barrett support Nanticoke, oppose Government driven closure
Nanticoke – Opposition Energy critic John Yakabuski and Agriculture critic Toby Barrett toured the Nanticoke Generating Station this morning in advance of public hearings to take place in the Town of Simcoe this afternoon. [Read more]
February 3, 2006 - Coal Required for “Reliable” Power in Ontario
Back-off McGuinty coal closure deadline: IESO Report
Queen’s Park – After yet another provincial report calling for the government to back off the McGuinty coal-closure deadline, MPP Toby Barrett wonders if anyone is listening at Queen’s Park. [Read more]
February 1, 2006 - Barrett, Tory expose tobacco tax as money- grab
Kitchener – The latest increase in tobacco taxes won’t deter smokers, but it will boost the black market.
Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett commented on the latest $1.25 increase following PC Leader, John Tory’s remarks that, ``There is history that shows that the higher you raise the prices, the more you create a problem with contraband and smuggling.'' [Read more]
January 31, 2006 - Another tobacco tax hike adds insult to injury: Barrett
Sarnia – A day after revelations that McGuinty’s anti-tobacco strategy could cost the gaming industry – and the charities they support – a half billion dollars, the government is hammering another nail in the coffin. [Read more]
January 30, 2006 - Barrett / Hudak continue to question government inaction on corn
Niagara Falls – Two months after questioning Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture on corn tariffs PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett and Finance Critic Tim Hudak are still left wondering where the government stands. [Read more]
January 26, 2006 - Barrett addresses BSE on Finance Committee
Timmins – During Finance Committee testimony by the Temiskaming-Cochrane Federation of Agriculture Opposition Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett raised the recent Alberta BSE discovery and questioned the Ontario government’s foot-dragging on assistance to cattlemen.[Read more]
January 19, 2006 - McGuinty Justice Ministers endorsed reduced sentences
Recommendations reveal Liberal hidden agenda on crime
Simcoe – MPP Toby Barrett says the fact that both Ontario’s Attorney General and Minister of Community Safety endorsed a plan for reduced sentences underline the hypocrisy of a government that says one thing and does another. [Read more]
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