The Province has introduced legislation that would establish a standard Code of Conduct for elected officials in BC. UBCM members have endorsed several resolutions calling for additional resources to support responsible conduct, including a mandatory Code of Conduct. The legislation also sets out a standard process for handling Code of Conduct complaints and strengthens the sanctions available to local governments.
The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs worked with UBCM and local governments as it developed the consultation process leading to the legislation. If Bill 17 is passed into law, the Ministry will follow a similar process to consult on the regulation that will establish the specific terms of a standard Code of Conduct. The Ministry’s aim is to have the new Code of Conduct in effect for implementation immediately following the local government general election this fall.
The legislation includes provisions concerning who may file a complaint; the powers of investigators; grounds for dismissal; standards for mutual resolutions; the content of investigation reports; directions to Councils and Boards for handling recommendations provided by and investigator; confidentiality; and reporting.
Sanctions that may be recommended by an investigator include:
- a letter of reprimand
- a requirement that the respondent issue a letter of apology
- a requirement that the respondent complete a training program
- the suspension or rescission of the appointment of the respondent, in the respondent's capacity as council member, to a committee, commission or other body
- if the respondent is a mayor, the suspension from any of the responsibilities described in section 116 (2) [responsibilities of mayor]
- a reduction of remuneration in an amount calculated in the prescribed manner and for up to 90 days
- a suspension of remuneration for up to 90 days
- a suspension, without remuneration, from duties on council for up to 90 days
- a prescribed sanction
UBCM explored the potential of a standard, mandatory Code of Conduct in a discussion paper co-authored with the Local Government Management Association in 2024.