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2008

McGuinty’s Holiday Beer Price Hike
Simcoe -- While Ontario continues to spiral into economic decline, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s answer to the province’s financial woes is to jack up the minimum price of a case of beer.[Read More]

Barrett petition calls for sales tax holiday for new and used vehicles
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has issued a petition in time for the holidays, calling on governments right across North America to give consumers a tax holiday on the purchase of new and used vehicles.[Read More]

Adopting Newfoundland-style asset seizure would chase more jobs from OntarioThunder Bay - Following a Finance Committee deputation by AbitibiBowater, Ontario PC Opposition members put forward a motion to prohibit government seizure of the assets of a company either downsizing or restructuring because of the decline in the provincial economy..[Read More]

FESTIVAL FUNDING APPLICATION DEADLINE AROUND THE CORNER
Barrett encourages local organizers to ensure rural events/festivals are not forgottenSIMCOE – MPP Barrett is encouraging area festival and event organizers to get their names in the cue for Celebrate Ontario funding.[Read More]

Barrett reaffirms case for Delhi licensing office
Simcoe – Two years after meeting with then Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield regarding the closure of Delhi’s license-issuing office, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reminded government the issue is not going away.[Read More]

Barrett calls on Corrections Minister to curb unnecessary spending
Queens Park – Absenteeism among correctional officers is costing the government $20-million each year, reports a statement released by Ontario’s Auditor General.[Read More]

Illegal tobacco has serious implications for Ontario’s economy
Queen’s Park - Ontario’s Auditor General has confirmed what Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has touted for quite some time: the McGuinty Liberals have lost control of the illicit tobacco market to the tune of $500 million in lost taxes.[Read More]

PC’s pave way for farm signage across Ontario
MPP’s Hardeman, Barrett score victory allowing farm highway signageQueens Park – Farmers across Ontario are now free to encourage consumers to, “buy Ontario” through roadside highway signage thanks to provincial Conservatives. [Read More]

ONTARIO LOSING $500 MILLION A YEAR TO ILLEGAL SMOKES – RUNCIMAN McGuinty government a “100 pound weakling”
(Toronto, ON) – Next week’s report from Ontario’s Auditor General will reveal that the provincial government is losing at least $500 million/year in tax revenues to illegal cigarette sales according to Opposition Leader Bob Runciman.[Read More]

Governmet concerned with cigarillos but not illegal trade
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett voted against a Private Members Bill that would ban flavoured cigarettes in Ontario.[Read More]

Barrett calls on government to stop blind rush on pre-budget hearingsNever underestimate the wisdom around the boardroom or kitchen table
Queens Park – A government that has spent this great province into a recession and into “have-not” status, should take the time to listen to people.[Read More]

Restore DCE to a subdivision
Queen’s Park – On record in today’s Orders and Notices Paper in the Ontario Legislature is Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett’s resolution calling on the McGuinty government to restore Douglas Creek Estates to a subdivision.[Read More]

Barrett voices outrage on McGuinty rush to ram through WSIB bill Queens Park – In the Legislature this afternoon, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reported, “more evidence of the outrage felt by businesses across Ontario at this government’s blind rush to ram their WSIB bill through to appease their cronies.”[Read More]

Revving up for “Energy Generation and our Environment” Symposium–
A night of questions, answers, facts and opinions will fuel energy debate Nov. 20Simcoe – Jarvis Ontario will be the focal point of the province’s energy debate this Thursday, the 20th. [Read More]

Cemetery boards should voice concern over pesticide regs
Simcoe – Cemeteries serve a special and unique purpose in our communities; however, the McGuinty government doesn’t feel they should be lush and green.[Read More]

New tobacco legislation has no teeth: BarrettSimcoe – Despite an entire section devoted to tobacco in the government’s budget bill, it seems there are no teeth to the legislation that has been written.[Read More]

Barrett calls on McGuinty crew to loosen grip on Grandparent’s pocketbooks“The least that government could do is extend a helping hand”Simcoe – It's unfortunate that we have to even consider why this government would pull the rug out from under grandparents attempting to step up to raise their grandchildren according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett.[Read More]

Water bottle ban goes down the drainSimcoe – The plug was pulled late yesterday in the Ontario Legislature that would have seen single-use plastic water bottles ban across Ontario. [Read More]

MPP Barrett invites all to Jarvis for “Energy Generation and our Environment” symposiumQueens Park – Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett stood in the Legislature today to invite, “all to Jarvis on Thursday, November 20, for a symposium I’m hosting on energy generation and our environment.”[Read More]

Government shuts down debate to ram through unwanted WSIB legislation Queens Park - Soon after advocating that government kill bill 119 - the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008, - MPP Toby Barrett watched the McGuinty government prevent any further dissenting debate by shutting down discussion.[Read More]

It’s sad Ontario is now a ‘have-not’ province: Barrett
Queen’s Park - Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is angered by the lack of remorse and regret the Ontario government has shown for steering the province into ‘have-not’ status.[Read More]

McGuinty Government's Energy Plan Does Not Include Nuclear at NanticokePush For Increase in Conservation and Renewables like Sun, Wind & Water The Government of Ontario has not encouraged or solicited a proposal to build a nuclear generating station in the Haldimand-Norfolk region.[Read More]

Barrett goes to bat for young farmers
HN MPP questions Ag. Minister about shortfalls in support programsQueens Park – MPP Barrett brought the plight of young hog farmers to the doorstep of Ontario’s Agriculture Minister this week.[Read More]

Barrett decries Ontario catch and release justice
Queens Park – “How does one get 43 convictions, gun-related convictions, and still be allowed to walk around free with an AK-47 on the Ontario-government owned Douglas Creek Estates, to walk around behind a school and to shoot up a smoke shack??”[Read More]

McGuinty should relocate Caledonia couple
Caledonia – Dave Brown and Dana Chatwell have had to endure nearly three years of hell -- all because their property backs onto the disputed lands in Caledonia.[Read More]

McGuinty Economics – high taxes, high spending and a half-billion dollar deficit Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says today’s economic statement from the Ontario Government is a shameful example of a tax and spend regime that refuses to make tough decisions. [Read More]

Waste Reduction Week misses mark with Ontario Government
PC Environment Critic underlines wasted words and missed targets
Queens Park – “Welcome to waste reduction week in Ontario, the only province where the waste diversion plan creates more garbage than it diverts.”[Read More]

McGuinty has squandered away provincial surplus
Barrett gives angered address on the economy
Queen’s Park – Dalton McGuinty has followed in the footsteps of his Liberal forefathers when it comes to tax and spend ways.’[Read More]

McGuinty axes land dispute hearings - uses Ipperwash as excuse
Queen’s Park - Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has finally received an answer to his request for land dispute hearings, after nearly 11 months of waiting, and the local representative says the response is far from acceptable.’[Read More]

MPP Barrett to host second symposium on ENERGY GENERATION AND OUR ENVIRONMENT!
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is putting out a call for Speakers and Displays as he prepares to host a second public symposium to focus on ‘Energy Generation and our Environment.’[Read More]

Ontario Conservatives score victory for farmers
MPP’s Hardeman, Barrett work to allow farmers to post highway signage
Queens Park – If the Ontario Government wants residents to “buy Ontario” produce, it should allow producers to tell them where to buy it.[Read More]

GYPSY MOTH INFESTATION
Mr. Toby Barrett: To the Minister of Natural Resources: The emerald ash borer has invaded Norfolk county, Canada' s forest capital with 30% forest cover, and 25% of that is ash. [Read More]

Six months later…Government members reiterate Barrett concerns with invasive species
Queens Park – Ontario’s Opposition Environment Critic saw his own concerns over the impact of Emerald Ash Borer resurface from the Government side of the Legislature this week.[Read More]

Barrett to Duguid: relocate Dave and Dana Brown
Queen’s Park – Local MPP Toby Barrett didn’t waste any time asking new Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid if he will immediately relocate Dave and Dana Brown.[Read More]

TORY & PC CAUCUS STAND UP FOR RURAL ONTARIO
PC Leader says Ontario farmers deserve better than ‘Made-in-Toronto’ programs
(Bright, ON) – Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory and PC Agriculture and Food Critic Ernie Hardeman (Oxford) today said Ontario’s farmers deserve respect and a real partnership from the province.[Read More]

Statement re: Attempted intimidation
Simcoe – This week media and others have contacted my office about attempts to intimidate with respect to my work on land dispute issues throughout the former Haldimand Tract..[Read More]

Barrett attends Ukrainian flag raising
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett attended a flag raising ceremony yesterday at Queen’s Park that marked the 17th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.[Read More]

PC MPPs STORM OUT OF HEALTH TAX REVIEW SHAM
MPPs walk out after Liberals shoot down all attempts to make report accurate (Queen’s Park) – Ontario Progressive Conservative MPPs today stormed out of the Committee reviewing the Liberal Health Tax after it became clear that the Liberal MPPs were determined to write a sham Report..[Read More]

Barrett’s tobacco motion axed
Barrett and Hudak walk out of Finance Committee
Queen’s Park – As promised, tobacco country’s MPP Toby Barrett formally introduced his provincial tobacco compensation motion to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.[Read More]

Tax first, ask questions later is Liberal way: Barrett Environmental taxes are show and shamSimcoe – PC Environment Critic Toby Barrett says that the long list of environment taxes imposed by the McGuinty government is show and sham. [Read More]

Barrett sets the record straight on Dombrowsky’s promise to tobacco countrySimcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky should reconsider denying she once said she would be part of a federally-led tobacco exit. [Read More]

Barrett tables tobacco motion before Finance Committee
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett today tabled a motion with the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee concerning provincial funding for Ontario’s tobacco growers.[Read More]

Time for Ontario to honour traditional 60/40 partnership to help tobacco country
Delhi – Following an announcement by the Federal Government of money for tobacco country, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says farmers must now ask Ontario to honour the traditional 60/40 partnership..[Read More]

Will animal welfare law threaten farming,fishing and hunting?
Public hearings raise questions: Barrett
London – Public Hearings on Bill 50 – to Amend the Ontario Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act – have raised some worrisome questions for rural and northern Ontario, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett stated at the conclusion of the London testimony.[Read More]

ST. THOMAS JOB LOSSES PROVE FLAWED LIBERAL POLCIES NOT WORKING FOR ONTARIO: BARRETT
PC MPP wonders if 720 new job losses will finally drive McGuinty
Liberals to action[Read More]

Barrett to Bryant: Beleaguered Home Builders need a ‘Relationship Fund’ as well
Queen’s Park – On June 4,  MPP Toby Barrett questioned the Aboriginal Affairs Minister if monies from the newly-announced $25 million Relationship Fund are being budgeted to help Toronto lawyers fight local construction companies and home builders and the City of Brantford.[Read More]

Barrett asks: “Where is the scientific evidence on pesticide/cancer links?”
Queen’s Park – The McGuinty government’s proposed pesticide ban leaves far too many questions unanswered according to Toby Barrett, local MPP and Opposition Critic to the Environment. [Read More]

Barrett raises questions about smoking in cars
Queen's Park -- Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett feels Bill 69 – An Act to Protect Children from Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke in Motor Vehicles -- is partly an example of show and sham politics by the provincial Liberals.[Read More]

Minister Bryant provides ‘less than fulsome’ answer to local homebuilder
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett brought homebuilder Mike Corrado’s plight with the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) to the floor of the Ontario Legislature today. Barrett’s questions came on the heels of a series of lead questions by Opposition House Leader Bob Runciman on the ‘Caledonia Cover-Up’.[Read More]

Cosmetic pesticide ban may be a slippery slope
So it’s fine to use the pesticides on crops we’re going to eat, but not fine to use them on our gardens. – Christina Blizzard, St. Catharines Standard, April 26, 2008
This week we commenced formal debate of the proposed Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Act.[Read More]

Do you have a doctor in Haldimand-Norfolk?
PC Health Critic tables resolution to resolve doctor shortage
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says he is well aware of the doctor shortage issue in his riding and has helped to get the area designated as under-serviced over the years..[Read More]

Barrett asks Bryant to resign
Queen’s Park – Following articles in two local papers, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reports people are uncertain as to who is directing the OPP in both Caledonia and Tyendinaga/Deseronto.[Read More]

Barrett calls for Solicitor General’s resignation
Queen’s Park – Since the start of the Caledonia land disputes two years ago, the McGuinty Liberals have been clear that they do not direct the OPP on operational matters. A Dunnville Chronicle newspaper article printed yesterday suggests the Minister of Community, Safety and Correctional Services (Solicitor General) Rick Bartolucci has done otherwise.[Read More]

Bryant attempts bait and switch on Barrett’s Hamilton HDI question
Queen’s Park – It seems that Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant does not understand the difference between the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 and the Haldimand Proclamation of 1784.[Read More]

No action from Bryant on ‘potluck’ at DCE
Grice, Brown and Barrett at Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park -- On the heels of an impassioned media studio presentation by Caledonia resident Dave Brown – accompanied by Haldimand County Councillor Craig Grice –  MPP Toby Barrett brought the Haldimand land dispute to the floor of the Legislature once again today.[Read More]

Has government called for two year development moratorium?
Instead of development freeze, Barrett calls for negotiation freeze
Queen’s Park— MPP Barrett demanded answers from Ontario’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister today following news that government has offered a two year development moratorium for "no go" properties to be selected by Six Nations.[Read More]

Opposition Enviro Critic highlights unrealized potential for Ontario Environment Industry
MPP Barrett calls for “real” partnership with gov’t to cut through red-tape
Queen’s Park— The province’s Environment Critic is calling on government to “unplug” the backlog and tap into the potential for working with Ontario Environment Industries.[Read More]

Does Six Nations have permission for DCE ‘potluck’?
Dunnville – MPP Toby Barrett is pressuring Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant to follow the lead of his predecessor to find an alternative location for the planned ‘potluck’ at DCE on April 20th  – the second anniversary of the OPP raid in Caledonia.[Read More]

Tire tax presented under guise of environmentalism
Barrett asks for: “A Little More Carrot and a Little Less Stick”
Queen’s Park –  Much like the so-called health tax, the McGuinty Government refuses to define its new $60 million tire tax as a tax.[Read More]

Savoline Challenges Premier to Make Good on Election Promise to Keep Rural Schools Open
(Queen’s Park) – In the Ontario Legislature today PC MPP and Opposition Critic for Education Joyce Savoline challenged Premier McGuinty to fulfill his election promise to students and their families in rural and Northern Ontario.[Read More]

Barrett Asks Dombrowsky to Use Ontario
Cigarette Taxes to Fund Tobacco Program
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett asked Ontario’s Agriculture Minister today what her role was in recent negotiations pertaining to a package for the province’s tobacco growers.[Read More]

Karen’s Quest Continues North Through Norfolk and Brant
Pinegrove – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett joined Karen’s Quest today as locals continued a 500 km walk from Backus Heritage Conservation Area to Lions Camp in Dorset, Ontario, to raise money for those with kidney disease.[Read More]

SCOTT’S CONCERNS FOR CHILDREN IGNORED
BY MINSTER OF HEALTH PROMOTION
(Queen’s Park, Toronto)  Ontario was given a shock today when the Minister of Health Promotion refused to answer questions from MPP Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock) concerning school children having access to illegal cigarettes sold on government owned property in Caledonia.[Read More]

RULE OF LAW UP IN SMOKE UNDER DALTON MCGUINTY: RUNCIMAN
Law abiding Ontarians shoulder burden while government allows sale of illegal smokes (Queen’s Park) – Interim Opposition Leader Bob Runciman today condemned the McGuinty Liberals for not cracking down on the sale of illegal cigarettes and instead asking law abiding families to shoulder the burden with higher taxes. [Read More]

HDI development fees:
“Who’s in charge?” and “Will Ontario back homebuilders?”Queen’s Park— More talk – little action, but at least a government admission from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant that land development issues need to be resolved.[Read More]

When will government step up to local Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer fight? – Barret
MNR Minister points fingers, ignores funding request
Queens Park – Still no help for Canada’s Forest Capital, Norfolk County, and neighbouring Haldimand to deal with the devastation of Ash and Oak trees from the Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy Moth.[Read More]

Recycling The Tire Tax
Does McGuinty have a tire recycling plan?
Dunnville – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Environment Critic Toby Barrett says that the McGuinty Liberals may be putting the cart ahead of the horse when it comes to imposing a tire tax for the recycling of old tires.[Read More]

Eight questions later, Aboriginal Affairs Minister admits HDI extortion fees should “NOT” be paid
Still no word on government action [Read More]

McGuinty Switches Ontario Down the Wrong Track
Queen’s Park – The 2008 Provincial Budget has little in it that will help get Ontario’s economy back on track or save the jobs that are disappearing at an alarming rate.[Read More]

Ontario budget numbers add up to zero for Haldimand
Homeowners, businesses, municipalities shut out [Read More]

Yet Another Disappointing Ontario Budget for Norfolk
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said today’s provincial budget is yet another example of why he feels the riding is being ignored by Premier Dalton McGuinty.[Read More]

Barrett calls for investigation, charges into HDI
Minister won’t look into payment demands holding up builders/governments[Read More]

Environment Critic encourages“Lights Out” for “Earth Hour”
Queen’s Park – Ontario PC Environment Critic Toby Barrett is encouraging Ontarians to turn out the lights on March 29th for one hour, between 8 and 9 p.m.[Read More]

Bryant ignores homebuilders handcuffed by HDI demands
Minister blows his top when asked to increase police funding [Read More]

Barrett demands action on HDI extortion
Builders “on their own” to deal with development fee demands [Read More]

Carbon capture announcement underlines opportunity at Nanticoke
Federal carbon plan may finally awaken province to potential of sequestration [Read More]

Time to get back to Question Period
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is eager to get back to Queen’s Park and Question Period this coming Monday. [Read More]

Ontario government ignores call for farm support
Barrett questions government stonewalling on agriculture help
Queen’s Park – After completing over a month of pre-budget consultations, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is still shaking his head at the lack of support for farmers from the McGuinty government.  [Read More]

Long-Term Care needs more than a Band-aid
Local administrators deliver over 600 postcards to MPP Toby Barrett.
Simcoe – As part of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association’s postcard campaign, “Long-Term Care Needs More than Band-Aid” more than 600 post cards have been delivered to MPP Barrett for delivery to Queen’s Park.
 [Read More]

McGuinty government refuses to address tobacco crisis
Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is frustrated by the McGuinty government’s lack of support for Ontario’s tobacco growers.
 [Read More]

Numbing acceptance marks two-year anniversary
Queen’s Park – Two years of lawlessness in Caledonia has to be stopped..[Read More]

How long can McGuinty ignore the plight of Caledonia?
The toll of Government inaction continues to rise as occupation nears two years(Caledonia, ON) – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Caledonians are suffering while government continues it’s “don’t worry-be happy” approach to the Haldimand Land-claim dispute.[Read More]

Don’t remove the Lord’s Prayer - Barrett
Dunnville – Haldimand-Norfolk’s MPP is questioning the Premier’s priorities following reports of McGuinty’s plan to scrap the Lord’s Prayer at the Ontario Legislature.[Read More]

HN MPP fights for funds and forward action against Emerald Ash Borer
Sign a petition -take a bite out of pest problem: Barrett
Dunnville - Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett is asking people to join him in calling for action on an airborne tree terror threatening to tear a swath of destruction through the area ash population.[Read More]

PC Environment Critic asks: Where do you stand on a pesticide ban?
Barrett encourages public to have their say on pesticide proposal
Guelph— Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett took time out of Finance Committee pre-budget hearings today to encourage people to take advantage of an opportunity to help direct provincial pesticide policy.[Read More]

MCGUINTY OUT OF TOUCH: BARRETT
Inaction on economic slowdown and Caledonia underlined at pre-budget hearings
Sault Ste. Marie – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Finance Committee pre-budget hearings have further highlighted the government’s head-in-the-sand approach to essential issues impacting people locally and across the province.[Read More]

Government has lost control of the tobacco market
Ontario Convenience Stores Association testifies before Finance Committee
Queen’s Park – Illicit tobacco is ruining corner stores, according to Finance Committee testimony of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, and is robbing the Ontario government of about $600 million annually in taxes.”[Read More]

Government has lost control of the tobacco market
Ontario Convenience Stores Association testifies before Finance Committee
Queen’s Park – Illicit tobacco is ruining corner stores, according to Finance Committee testimony of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, and is robbing the Ontario government of about $600 million annually in taxes.”[Read More]

Barrett says it’s garbage that McGuinty Liberals continue to ignore crisis in tobacco country
Simcoe – “As I’ve said before, desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures.”[Read More]

Time for a new game plan for lotteries
As 2007 drew to a close, fraud and theft charges laid against a Mississauga man remind us of the recent scandals of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). The man cashed in a $5.7-million winning lottery ticket he allegedly stole from customers at his store. He is the first person charged resulting from an investigation into "insider" lottery winners.[Read More]

Barrett returns to Environment Critic shift
(Simcoe, ON) - Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says his appointment as Opposition Environment Critic means he will continue to hold the McGuinty Government to account on decisions and policy impacting our surroundings while focussing on the rural and other local concerns of area residents. [Read More]

McGuinty gas tax funding leaves Haldimand, Norfolk at the curb Rural residents miss the bus....again
Simcoe-Despite paying the same 14.7 cents a litre provincial gas tax as all other Ontarians, Haldimand and Norfolk residents continue to wait at the back of the line when it comes to gas tax funding. [Read More]