The BC government is looking to create a province-wide, mandatory code of conduct for all municipal governments.
The introduced legislative amendments would allow the Province to establish this code of conduct to create clear processes for complaints, investigations and sanctions.
Some relevant conduct issues that are currently not aligned throughout the province include matters of bullying or harassment in meetings, harassment of staff or disrespectful behaviour between elected officials.
The Province is eyeing these changes with hopes that the code will make governing BC communities less challenging for all.
“While many local governments have conduct codes today, they are not consistent across jurisdictions and often lack clear steps to address conduct issues,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities.
“Once in place, a provincial code of conduct will ensure all local elected officials are held to the same ethical standards across BC, help avoid dysfunction at the local level and improve fairness and public trust in local governments.”
According to the Province, this initiative was taken on in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the Local Government Management Association of BC (LGMA).
Additionally the BC government says they have been consulting with Indigenous partners and First Nations.
“Local governments have been consistent in their calls for additional tools to strengthen the practice of responsible conduct,” said Cori Ramsay, president of the UBCM.
“This legislation will establish a common standard throughout the province for local elected-official conduct and the handling of complaints and will strengthen the application of sanctions when warranted.”
Under the proposed legislation, the following rules would be established for all local and regional governments:
- Following the same complaint and investigation steps
- Defining a range of sanctions, including a maximum 90-day suspension without pay, with clear reporting requirements
- Setting a standard of behaviour for all local elected officials in BC
UBCM and the Province believe that these proposed measures will create predictable and efficient paths to resolve conduct issues while improving transparency.
Many municipalities welcome the proposed changes to their current codes.
“Strong local governments are built on public trust, transparency and accountability,” said Leonard Krog, Mayor of Nanaimo.
“Clear standards, along with a fair and transparent process for complaints, investigations and sanctions, will help strengthen public confidence and support respectful, effective decision-making in local government.”
If passed, the code of conduct would be expected to be in place for the new councils and boards following the October 17th general local elections.
Paid paternal leave
In addition to pushing for a standardized code of conduct in BC, the Province has also proposed legislation for paid parental leave for local government officials.
The changes are meant to make it easier for these officials to take paid leave when they become a parent.
“As a public office holder and a mother, I know how important it is to welcome a new child without barriers and stress,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
“Clear, consistent parental leave standards don’t just support parents, they empower more caregivers to step forward and lead.”
Parental leave rules currently differ throughout BC, as some local governments have their own policies, while others require officials to apply for approval on a case-by-case basis.
If passed, this new legislation creates the following minimum standards for all local governments:
- A clear definition of parental leave for all parents for pregnancy, birth or adoption
- Implementation of a minimum of 26 weeks of leave and flexible start dates
- A policy that allows local elected officials to continue receiving their pay during leave
- Policy protecting officials from disqualification from office for missing council or board meetings during parental leave
This policy too is aimed at strengthening local governance, while promoting gender equity and reducing barriers to public participation.
