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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.