2011 Newsroom Archives
Ontario relegated to "negative" credit watch
MPP Toby Barrett says it’s time the Ontario government took action on its negative credit rating by Moody’s Investor Services.
Lack of COMSOC oversight means more wasted tax dollars…
QUEEN’S PARK — Ministry of Community and Social Services Critic Toby Barrett is concerned with the Auditor General’s finding that the Ministry continues to allow supportive services agencies to operate without adequate oversight.
Farming, environment, wildlife lowest priority for Ontario
MPP Barrett underlines Environmental Commissioner concerns
QUEEN’S PARK — Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the lack of government commitment to environmental, agricultural and wildlife concerns highlights the McGuinty government’s ongoing indifference to rural values.
Wind turbine petitions dominate Legislature
Simcoe — For the past week, anti-wind turbine petitions have been blowing into the Ontario Legislature from much of rural Ontario.
McGuinty throne speech promises more of the same
for a reeling Ontario economy: Barrett
QUEEN’S PARK — Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the throne speech for the new McGuinty minority government continues down the same uncontrolled spending, debt building path of the old McGuinty majority.
Burn, Baby, Burn
Local wine wins Legislature selection for 2012
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is proud to announce that Burning Kiln Winery’s 2010 Strip Room red has been chosen as the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Private Label Wine for 2011-12.
Barrett to support NDP bill removing HST from home heating
Simcoe — Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says when it comes to legislation removing McGuinty’s HST from home heating bills, he will be voting the same way he campaigned during the election to scrap the hated tax.
Barrett to Bentley: Relocate Mississauga and Oakville generation to Nanticoke!
Simcoe — As Ontario’s Opposition continued to call on Dalton McGuinty to keep his promise to stop the Mississauga Power Plant, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was reminding government of the potential for generation at Nanticoke.
Ontario Opposition will not support continued spending sprees
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the Ontario track record on continued spending increases must be stopped.
Ontario’s Jobs Crisis has now worsened – MPP Barrett
Simcoe —Statistics Canada has indicated that October meant more job losses for the people and families of Ontario.
Barrett-Hudak target wasteful spending and jobs crisis
Simcoe — With the economy in decline and the deficit on the rise, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has echoed Opposition Leader Tim Hudak’s pledge to do what Dalton McGuinty cannot: rein in government spending, eliminate waste, and restore Ontario as a leader in private sector job creation.
Barrett opposes possible provincial
gun registry/handgun ban
SIMCOE - In the wake of the federal government introducing legislation to end Canada’s long gun registry, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is adamant Ontario does not introduce a provincial registry.
Barrett decries government wind manipulation, McGuinty pre-election FIT and Samsung tinkering costing Ontario families
Simcoe – Following two days of McGuinty manipulation to further entrench unaffordable wind and solar power contracts, it's clear this government just refuses to listen. [Read More]
Barrett encourages gas well owners to have their say
Simcoe – The MNR currently has a private gas well policy posted to the Environmental Registry. This notice was first published April 26, 2011 with a 45 day comment period. [Read More]
$20 million settlement for Caledonia desperate attempt to silence community: MPP Barrett
Simcoe – Yesterday, the McGuinty government reached a $20 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought forward by the residents and businesses of Caledonia in 2006. [Read More]
Barrett requests extension for public input on Capital Power wind towers, holiday weekend EBR posting for Port Dover/Nanticoke project denies adequate time for consideration and comment
Simcoe – Halidmand-Norfolk's MPP is asking government to allow adequate time for public input on the Capital Power wind Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project. [Read More]
Barrett requests extension for public input on Capital Power wind towers, sneaky holiday weekend EBR posting for Port Dover/Nanticoke project denies adequate time for consideration and comment
Simcoe – Halidmand-Norfolk's MPP is asking government to allow proper time for public input on the Capital Power wind Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project. [Read More]
Creating a safer Ontario for families
Simcoe – Tracking sex offenders will make Ontario families and children safer. [Read More]
Barrett and resident requests for public input extension on Capital Power wind towers successful; concerned citizens granted a second thirty day window for comment on Port Dover/Nanticoke project
Ridgetown – Almost two weeks after writing a letter to the Minister asking government allow adequate time for public input on the Capital Power Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project, Haldimand-Norfolk's MPP has confirmed the window for comment has been extended another month. [Read More]
Demands for public input extension on Capital Power wind towers successful; concerned citizens granted a second thirty-day window for comment on Port Dover/Nanticoke project
Ridgetown – Almost two weeks after writing a letter to the Minister asking government to allow adequate time for public input on the Capital Power Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Barrett has confirmed the window for comment has been extended another month. [Read More]
Farmers suffocated by a blanket of red tape
Leamington – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett and Chatham-Kent-Essex PC Candidate Rick Nicholls heard red tape is smothering Leamington-area farmers during a meeting today. [Read More]
Farmers frustrated with unnecessary regulations
Straffordville – Elgin and Norfolk County farmers told Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Elgin-Middlesex-London PC candidate Jeff Yurek of the frustrations they face. [Read More]
Improvements to highways 6 and 24 en route; MTO study for local road rehabilitation on its way
Simcoe – The Ministry of Transportation is scheduling necessary upgrades to Highways 6 and 24 in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. [Read More]
No answers on Edwards landfill, Barrett follow-up questions met with empty words
Simcoe – Two days before the government prorogued the Ontario Legislature early, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was able to update the Ontario Legislature about concerns at Edwards Landfill in Cayuga. [Read More]
MPP Barrett continues to deliver wind petitions as government runs for the exits, moratorium call repeated on behalf of over 2,000 petitioners
Simcoe – As government was preparing to shut down the Legislature early, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett ensured they heard local demand for a wind power moratorium before they hit the exits. [Read More]
Moratorium call repeated on behalf of over 2,000 petitioners
Simcoe – As government was preparing to shut down the Legislature early, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reiterated local demand for a wind power moratorium before they hit the exits. [Read More]
Over 2,000 petition for moratorium on wind
Simcoe – As government members prepared to shut down the Legislature early, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reiterated local demand for a wind power moratorium before they hit the exits. [Read More]
Barrett warns of future tax hikes under Taxman McGuinty
Simcoe – Friday, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett took to the streets of Simcoe to highlight the long list of taxes Dalton McGuinty has implemented. [Read More]
PCs warn of future tax hikes under Taxman McGuinty
Simcoe – Friday, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett and PC Candidate for Elgin-Middlesex-London Jeff Yurek took to the streets of Aylmer to highlight the long list of taxes Dalton McGuinty has implemented. [Read More]
One year since the advent of eco tax
Simcoe – July 1 marks the one year anniversary of the eco tax -- an additional tax introduced on 9,000 items along with the HST. [Read More]
What does hospital transparency have to do with Ontario's budget? Barrett questions burying of accountability limitations in budget bill
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is wondering "why all the secrecy" following more hide and sneak politics from the McGuinty Government. [Read More]
McGuinty hide and sneak politics continue to cost Ontario
Queens Park – Ontario residents continue to pay a hefty price for Dalton McGuinty's attempts to bury controversial government direction. [Read More]
MPP Barrett presents wind moratorium petitions to Legislature
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett rose in the Ontario Legislature today to read in petitions calling for, "a moratorium on wind development", as well as a revision of the Green Energy Act. [Read More]
Slam the brakes on sweetheart Samsung deal and expensive electricity FIT program!! Hudak, Barrett take aim at lack of transparency, competition and affordability in energy mix
Queens Park – With even Dalton McGuinty admitting the largest contributing factor to rising hydro bills over the next several years will be his FIT and Samsung projects, it's time to slam on the brakes. [Read More]
Hudak and Barrett will give Ontario families relief on electricity bills
Queens Park – MPP Toby Barrett and Opposition Leader Tim Hudak have pledged to bring an end to out-of-control skyrocketing electricity bills in Ontario. [Read More]
Barrett/Hudak propose mandatory work for inmates
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says an announcement from Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak to make prisoners work should be a no-brainer. [Read More]
Hudak/Barrett will increase health spending by $6.1 billion
Dunnville – It's time the Ontario government moves health care money out of waste and administration and into care for people. [Read More]
Barrett holds Environment Minister to account on Edwards landfill
Queens Park – After a year of government missteps on waste diversion and management in Ontario, Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett is trying to ensure local landfill concerns do not go ignored. [Read More]
Environment Minister answers wind concerns with more 'dirty' coal scapegoating
Queens Park – After eight years of badmouthing "dirty" coal power, it seems the McGuinty government has forgotten how to say anything else. [Read More]
Barrett predicts Premier, a "three-peat liar", Haldimand-Norfolk MPP expelled from house for "bald-faced" prediction
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett was ordered out of the Ontario Legislature for the first time in his close to 16 year parliamentary career after refusing to retract comments in which he called the Premier a liar. [Read More]
Opposition Environment Critic laments empty words for Earth Day
Queens Park – "As people across the province join with those the world over to celebrate and champion efforts to protect our the third planet from the sun this Earth Day, we in Ontario are left wondering if government is even paying attention." [Read More]
Make Earth Day more than a feel-good public relations exercise: Barrett
Queens Park – Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett reminded government that words only go so far to address the environmental concerns that come into focus every April 22nd. [Read More]
Barrett: Crackdown on Asian Carp
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is calling for increased enforcement and other measures to prevent Asian Carp from establishing into Ontario and the Great Lakes. [Read More]
Families continue to pay for McGuinty's energy experiments
Aylmer – MPP Toby Barrett reminds families they continue to pay more on their hydro bills due to Dalton McGuinty's expensive energy experiments. At a news conference yesterday, Barrett warned that as of May 1st electricity will go up again. Dalton McGuinty promised he would only raise electricity bills by one per cent -- he has now admitted they will skyrocket by 46 per cent.
Why are we still paying hydro bills for militants at Caledonia?
Queens Park – Opposition Leader Tim Hudak marked the fifth year anniversary of the land dispute at Caledonia with questions for government as to McGuinty's continuing support for militants on the Douglas Creek Estates site. [Read More]
Confusion abounds surrounding Caledonia's power towers
Queens Park – Are the Caledonia power towers holding up Big Becky?
That was the question MPP Toby Barrett's colleague John Yakabuski asked yesterday in the Ontario Legislature. [Read More]
Honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform, Barrett reflects on address to 56th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett recently had the opportunity to address the 56th Field Regiment royal Canadian Artillery, at the Brantford Armories. Today he told members of the Ontario Legislature how honoured he was to be part of the regimental parade. [Read More]
Families deserve choice rather than one-size-fits-all government-run program
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Ontario families deserve choice instead of a big, one-size-fits-all government-run program as it relates to full-day kindergarten. [Read More]
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: Barrett
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is asking the Ontario Government to concentrate on health prevention and promotion in conjunction with resources allocated to health treatment. [Read More]
Dalton McGuinty Gambling with Expensive Energy Experiments
Queens Park – Ontario's Opposition has revealed that, at a time when Ontario families are having trouble paying their hydro bills, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is spending $1.05 million per year more than they need to for power.
Dalton McGuinty Withholding Millions From Victims In Need, Barrett echoes Hudak call for victim support
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is joining Ontario Opposition Leader Tim Hudak's call for significant changes to ensure that victims of violent crime receive the support that they need and deserve.
Barrett supports Opposition push for Dutch Heritage Month Act
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett today voiced his support for colleague Elizabeth Witmer's Private Members Bill to declare May as Dutch Heritage Month.
Will budget set a future of new taxes?
Queens Park – How often can government commit to, "no new taxes" before we stop believing?
Ontario environment concerns ignored in McGuinty budget, no plan to mend the damage of eco taxes and unkept promises
Queens Park – Despite a year that saw Mr. McGuinty render uncalculated damage to the concepts of environmentalism and stewardship, Ontario's 2011 budget contains zero in the way of restoring the province's environmental credibility.
Barrett says Business Risk Management changes overdue
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Ontario's farmers have faced uncertainty long enough and welcomed risk management program (RMP) changes for farmers introduced in the budget. He noted there is still room for improvement.
It's what's missing from the Ontario Budget that will cause families grief
Queens Park – Although today's Provincial Budget failed to mention any new taxes, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett warned Ontario families shouldn't breathe a sigh of relief quite yet.
McGuinty government continues assault on Barrett over coal
Queens Park – How does a question about wind energy and eco tax turn into an assault on coal-fired generating stations? That's the question that had local MPP and PC Environment Critic Toby Barrett scratching his head following Question Period today in the Ontario Legislature.
OPG comments on gas / grass reassuring, OPG CEO eyes at least 15 years of life for coal closure plants: report
Simcoe – Reports of Ontario Power Generation CEO Tom Mitchell's comments regarding plans and research to extend the lifeline of Nanticoke – and Lambton – coal plants are welcome news to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. [Read More]
Barrett bolstered by gas/grass lifeline to Nanticoke, OPG CEO eyes at least 15 years of life for coal closure plants: report
Simcoe – Reports of Ontario Power Generation CEO Tom Mitchell's comments regarding plans and research to extend the lifeline of Nanticoke – and Lambton – coal plants are welcome news to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. [Read More]
Five years of unfinished business in Caledonia
Simcoe – On the fifth anniversary of the occupation of Caledonia's Douglas Creek Estates (DCE), it is clear there is work to finish up. [Read More]
Help find the cure for Dalton Deficit Disorder (DDD)
Simcoe – Haldimand Norfolk's MPP is encouraging Ontario residents to join together in an effort to treat a wasteful affliction that is costing the province billions. [Read More]
Barrett launches new website and gives us something to tweet about
Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett loves his new website and so he's chosen Valentine's Day as the launch. [Read More]
Failed McGuinty energy experiments lead to wind about-face
Sarnia – Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett says McGuinty's latest backtrack on offshore wind is government's latest admission its expensive energy experiments have failed. [Read More]
Barrett, Hudak, call for respect and relief for families
Simcoe – Respect and relief for families will be the focus of the Ontario Opposition when they return to Queen's Park next week according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. [Read More]
MPP and MP join to enshrine property rights, Hillier and Reid echo MPP Barrett call to restore property rights
Queen's Park – After spearheading three separate Private Members Bills designed to restore property rights in Ontario, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is heartened that a joint provincial and federal effort may be able to give landowners the rights and protections they deserve. [Read More]
Wind towers pit neighbour against neighbour – we need municipal oversight
Queen's Park – MPP Toby Barrett again joins Opposition Leader Tim Hudak to demand a moratorium on wind power until local decision making powers are restored. [Read More]
Five years later – still no wires on abandoned power towers, Energy Minister ignores worthless, wireless monuments to inaction at Caledonia
Queens Park – Five years after the occupation of Douglas Creek Estates at Caledonia, government is still attempting to hide from questions regarding McGuinty's legacy of futility. [Read More]
Where are our hydro debt retirement payments going? Barrett joins call for forensic audit to solve $7.8 billion McGuinty mystery
Thunder Bay – MPP Toby Barrett is joining Opposition Leader Tim Hudak in calling for a forensic audit to explain why Ontario families continue to be charged for a debt that should be paid next year. [Read More]
Beware new enviro-taxes in McGuinty budget Pre-budget silence belies new taxes on the way - Barrett
Windsor – Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett is taking time during Finance Committee pre-budget hearings to warn Ontario residents to brace for a slew of possible new environmental taxes in the upcoming McGuinty budget. [Read More]
Mid-Pen Corridor will take pressure off Niagara Escarpment
from Hamilton to US border: Barrett
Simcoe – A decade after helping to announce the creation of a Mid-Peninsula corridor, Haldimand-Norfolk’s MPP maintains it’s still the way to go for jobs and to reduce population pressure on the Niagara Escarpment from Hamilton to the Niagara Gorge.[Read More]
Barrett reaffirms commitment to Business Risk Management
Simcoe –Farmers across Ontario deserve the backing of government through risk management programming.
That according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett following the annual meeting of the Haldimand Cattlemen’s Association where area farmers stressed the need to widen the range of crops and livestock covered in the province's risk management program (RMP).[Read More]
Stay on time – and fraud free – in 2011
Simcoe – MPP Toby Barrett is asking residents to stop by his office and pick up a Smart Consumer Calendar to ensure that 2011 doesn’t get off on the wrong foot.[Read More]
Do you wish to thank a volunteer?
Do you know a person in the community who is worthy of recognition for their volunteer efforts?[Read More]