Timmins mayoral candidate says his businesses won't be conflicts of interest, if elected
The owner of a taxi company and an automotive repair shop in Timmins tells CTV News he will step away from running his businesses to focus on fixing chronic issues in the city if he's elected mayor in the upcoming municipal election.
Rick Lafleur said he wants to use his business experience to bring more companies and residents to the city, as well as tackle crime, homelessness and high property taxes for homeowners.
Lafleur said his own business interests won't distract him from his goals, if he gets the mayor's seat.
"I will not be involved at all, within the companies, I'll be focussing 110 per cent on the city," said Lafleur.
"I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and put the energy into the city."
His taxi company often deals with the Timmins Police Services Board on regulatory matters for taxis and Lafleur often works with city officials as a businessperson.
But, Lafleur said his wife and other management will be taking over the operations of his companies, which he said will limit any conflicts of interest in his mayoral duties, if elected.
"They will be dealing with the police service board or any other matters that come forth," he said.
"The time is right and I've got the right people in place now."
He is one of only two candidates running in the Oct. 24 municipal election.
His only challenger for the mayor's position is Michelle Boileau, a current Timmins city councillor finishing her first term.
Timmins Ward 5 Coun. Michelle Boileau. Aug. 15/22 (Lydia Chubak/CTV Northern Ontario)
Earlier this week, Ward 3 Coun. Joe Campbell told CTV News in a phone interview that he is seriously considering running for the mayor's chair. His name does not appear on the candidates list as of Friday morning.
Find the list of Timmins candidates running in the municipal election here.
Find voting information here.
Background
Timmins' current mayor is Kristin Murray, a city councillor and deputy mayor, who took on the role after George Pirie was elected as Timmins MPP in June. She has not appeared on the nomination list as of Aug. 18. The deadline to file nomiation papers is Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.