Hello, Toby here.
Feb 6, 2007
Caledonia has once again been abandoned by the Provincial Government. By now, many will be aware that Caledonia no longer has a MTO license issuing office.
I have contacted the Minister of Transportation, only to be told that Hagersville is close enough to serve local residents. This is unacceptable - we've seen how quickly the barricades can go back up, which would dramatically increase the distance between the two communities. As well, driving to Hamilton is inconvenient for residents needing to renew their licence or buy a new sticker.
We can't take no for an answer. The McGuinty government has shown its willingness to abandon Caledonia - if we let them.
Below, please find my news release on Caledonia losing its MTO office.
In the meantime, stay tuned for further action. If you are interested in letting the Minister of Transportation know how you feel, she can be reached at the following phone number: (416) 327-9200.
Thanks for your time.
~Toby
For immediate release:
February 2, 2007
Is Caledonia losing its license bureau?
Simcoe-MPP Toby Barrett is questioning the McGuinty government's motives for allowing Caledonia to lose its licensing office.
"For nearly a year, the Caledonia area has sustained severe economic hardship as a result of the ongoing land dispute," Barrett said. "With the MTO office closing, residents and business once again see the provincial government packing up and leaving town.
"Anybody who has been to Caledonia will tell you the closest MTO offices are in Hagersville or Hamilton," Barrett continued. "What happens if the roads are closed again?"
Barrett pointed out that Caledonia's MTO woes are eerily similar to the situation facing Delhi. On December 18, 2006, Barrett met with Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield to discuss why not one applicant was chosen to operate a license issuing office in Delhi, which has been hit hard by the decline in the tobacco economy.
"We are starting to see a trend whereby the McGuinty government quietly allows rural communities to lose their licensing offices," Barrett concluded. "This time, it's Caledonia that stands to lose."