Long-time Haldimand-Norfolk MPP says he won't run again
CBC
Haldimand-Norfolk's long-time MPP says he won't run in the upcoming provincial election.
Toby Barrett, an MPP with the Progressive Conservatives, was elected 27 years ago under former Premier Mike Harris. He's been reelected handily ever since, but won't try again on June 2.
"The past 27 years have been a bit of an adventure, to say the least," Barrett, 76, said in a release Wednesday.
"I will not be running in the coming election knowing that my capable staff and I, over those 27 years, have helped a very large number of people."
Barrett, a Port Dover native, had a background in farming and teaching when he won the riding from a one-time NDP MPP in 1995. He also worked for the Ontario Addiction Research Foundation for 20 years.
Barrett was a self-described "riding man," known for driving his tractor in local parades. He was elected seven times in the perennially blue, mostly rural riding that at times included parts of Oxford and Brant.
He has most recently served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Ontario PC Party confirmed on its website that Ken Hewitt, current mayor of Haldimand County, will run as its 2022 candidate for the riding. The announcement did not make mention of Barrett. Hewitt couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.
Barrett has at times drawn criticism, including in 2019 when he compared D-Day to the debate around selling alcohol in corner stores.
He also didn't shy away from controversial issues. In 2018, he was a staunch supporter of Patrick Brown, even as Brown was losing favour within the party.
Barrett is also an outspoken supporter of Ontario tobacco farmers, many of whom are located in his riding, and has often said increased cigarette taxes boost the black market and hurt Canadian farmers.
"We've got one of the worst areas in the world for illegal tobacco," Barrett said in 2016.
Barrett has also criticized police response to the 2006 Caledonia conflict over disputed lands, and called for unknown parties in 2020 to "tear down this blockade" in a separate Caledonia protest.
Barrett acknowledged some of the headlines in his Wednesday release, saying his commitment has always been to fighting red tape and "foolish spending."
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