Interview with UCPR Warden Daniel Lafleur

TVC22

Political Insight: Episode 1

Facing many challenges related to the ongoing pandemic, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) will tackle two key priorities this year says UCPR Warden Daniel Lafleur in his interview with Thomas Stockting, host of TVC22’s television series Political Insight.

One of those priorities will be to support local business, and Mr. Lafleur explains there are multiple programs to which business owners can apply – regardless of whether their business is already established or looking to start up.

Another priority will be to continue the construction of a new long-term care facility in Hawkesbury. Mr. Lafleur explains that the health care and long-term care systems have taken a serious hit during the pandemic but fortunately for Prescott-Russell, the work on building a new long-term care facility in Hawkesbury was already well into its planning stage when COVID-19 hit.

According to Mr. Lafleur, this construction project is still on track – due to be completed by 2024 – and despite the rising interest rates and cost of materials around the globe, the project is on budget as well.

To add to the crisis within long-term care homes, staffing is proving a problem as LTC workers across the province are feeling burnt-out. 

There were staffing issues prior to the pandemic, a reality that is now being exacerbated, says Mr. Lafleur. They don’t feel supported and the CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association said there is an estimated 20 to 30 percent of staff off due to the pandemic. However, he adds, as of yet there is no such staffing crisis in Prescott-Russell's UCPR-run residence.  

-Thomas Stockting, Journalist

Local Journalism Initiative

CACTUS | Government of Canada

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In this first episode of TVC22's 2022 rendition of “Political Insight”, host Thomas Stockting sits down with the newly appointed warden for the United Counties of Prescott Russell, Mr. Daniel Lafleur, to discuss the UCPR's priorities for the upcoming year.

Warden Lafleur, Mayor of Casselman, has occupied a seat on the United Counties council since he was elected in 2018 after a short stint away from municipal politics.