Jordan McPhail is 27 years old, and is serving what is shaping up to be a challenging first term as an Alderman for the Town of La Ronge's Council. He is the youngest Alderman on council, and the most outspoken online about the town's activities amidst Public Health Orders that limit direct civic engagement. 

"Making sure that the public stays safe--and making sure that La Ronge is still a place where we can live, eat, work, and grow into a future is going to my #1 priority that I have in a budget discussion .. and as I'm discussing it with all the local businesses", said McPhail when asked about recouping strategies for budget reductions amid COVID-19.

Jordan and his partner are both Essential Workers in this Pandemic -- he is the youngest face on Council in a town where his partner is a practicing front line nurse. Sharing a life with a loved-one working in medicine clearly informs McPhail's caution, as he - rightfully - corrected MBC's Brandon White on the legitimacy and seriousness of the recent (April 17) 'Outbreak' in La Loche, saying "Every outbreak starts with one case."

The province released a statement that 20 persons connected to the Care Home in La Loche where the outbreak began (both staff and patients) were now being monitored. On the day of filming (April 21, 2020) four more cases were added in the Far North, without a location, and rules were reiterated by the province: nurses would no longer treat in more than one location.

McPhail is in good company: his grandfather Rex McPhail also sits on the Town's board and helps to shape the purview of the young Alderman.

Community-engagement is a key component of Jordan's decision making process -- he will be speaking with La Ronge businesses in the coming days, weeks, and months to find equitable ways to navigate whatever comes financially after COVID-19.