Delegates at the UBCM heard a call for higher standards of conduct to ensure that Councils and Boards increasingly reflect the diversity of local communities, during a clinic earlier today. “I have spoken with far too many people – women, and marginalized persons – who have been made to feel unwelcome when elected into office,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Members of the Working Group on Responsible Conduct outlined a suite of resources and legislative or regulatory changes that have been introduced over the past five years to strengthen the commitment of local elected officials to the principles of integrity, accountability, respect, leadership and collaboration. Currently, over 50% of municipalities and 60% of regional districts have Codes of Conduct.
Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott cautioned delegates that Codes of Conduct are no replacement for personal awareness, responsibility and commitment. While the Squamish Council has endorsed a Code of Conduct, it has been strengthened through its integration with the District’s remuneration bylaw, procedural bylaw and respectful workplace policy. Mayor Elliott also described the benefits of a debrief in camera by Council and staff following each meeting. “This is where apologies can happen, or feedback can be respectfully provided to staff,” said Elliott. “The opportunity for an apology has been powerful.”
Members of the Working Group on Responsible Conduct also shared research on the role of integrity commissioners in other provinces. Commonly, these offices are funded by local governments, provide advice, conduct investigations and make recommendations to Councils and Boards about conduct matters. They are not able to impose sanctions independent of a Council or Board nor is it possible for them to recommend removal from office.
Delegates also heard about the importance of ensuring procedural fairness whenever a Code of Conduct complaint is investigated. Several questions to the panel highlighted the cost of appointing an independent third party to conduct an investigation may run anywhere from $25,000-$50,000.
The clinic concluded with advance notice of a new educational resource that is in development which will be available to every local elected official in BC for self-directed learning. The resource will be launched following the local government general election.
Resources referenced in this clinic:
Foundational principles for responsible conduct
Model Code of Conduct & Companion Guide
External Resources available for conduct-related issues
Guidance on preventing conduct issues and dealing with issues when they arise