Whereas several community council, board, and hearing disruptions have been caused by uncivil and unprofessional conduct by a small number of elected officials, resulting in policy intervention, adjournments of meetings, and a movement toward digital instead of in-person meetings; And whereas the Community Charter and Local Government Act do not adequately provide local governments and the Province with the tools needed to respond effectively to the detrimental and paralyzing conduct of residents and elected officials who bully, harass and intimidate others despite the long history of local government openness and democratic values: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to take all steps necessary to convey the urgent need to create an effective task force to analyze the incivility and unruly behaviour problems and their causes, to consider best practices of other jurisdictions and to recommend legislation and enforcement mechanisms to address the crises of uncivil and paralytic behaviour that is impacting local government before the next local general election.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs People deserve to have confidence in their elected officials, and that includes knowing there are strong expectations for how those officials conduct themselves with colleagues, staff, and the public. The Province has already taken steps to support stronger standards of behaviour among councils, and work is ongoing with local governments to explore mandatory codes of conduct, including how those codes could be administered and enforced. We recognize that more support is needed, and we are developing a more comprehensive approach to responsible conduct in collaboration with local governments, stakeholders, and partners. As part of preparations for the 2026 municipal elections, targeted consultations have taken place to consider new measures and enhanced tools to help strengthen accountability. The Province is considering new approaches that will better equip incoming councils and boards with practical tools to address governance challenges, particularly those involving conflict or misconduct. The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs remains available to provide guidance, advice, and support to local governments whenever governance challenges arise.