WHEREAS the breach of Section 117 of the Community Charter Duty to respect confidentiality by elected officials undermines the public trust in the elected body and exposes the local government to unacceptable and avoidable risk; AND WHEREAS the available legal remedies for sanction of elected officials who breach the duty to respect confidentiality are insufficient: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM petition the provincial government to provide additional provisions for sanction of elected officials who breach the duty to respect confidentiality, including but not limited to, amending Section 110 of the Community Charter Circumstances in which a person is disqualified from office on council, to include the breach of Section 117 of the Community Charter Duty to respect confidentiality.
Ministry of Community, Sport Cultural Development The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development is committed to working with the UBCM and the Local Government Leadership Academy LGLA to enhance the preparedness of locally elected officials for the responsibilities of elected office - including understanding confidentiality and other accountability provisions in the Community Charter. The Ministry is prepared to work with the UBCM and the LGLA to explore ways to strengthen policies and practices to further effective and fair implementation of accountability measures for locally elected officials. However, a full review of the confidentiality issue, including consideration of the importance of whistle-blowers in some situations, would be necessary before considering any legislative amendments.