Mountain View County’s policies and priorities committee has reviewed a draft of a proposed new council code of conduct bylaw for the municipality.
The move came during the committee’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The updated provincial Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires that all councils pass bylaws setting out new codes of conduct for councillors.
The proposed new code of conduct bylaw for Mountain View County includes a number of sections:
- The Code of Conduct section states, in part, that, “council recognizes the importance of maintaining the highest levels of integrity and ethical behaviour while providing effective governance and leadership for the community.”
- The Representing the Municipality section states, in part, that councillors should “represent the county in a professional and accountable manner while promoting the purposes of a municipality to provide good government, foster the well-being of the environment, and develop and maintain safe and viable communities.”
- The Respectful Interactions section states, in part, that council shall “communicate and work with fellow councillors in an open and honest manner, promoting a spirit of cooperation by listening and respecting those opinions that may differ” and “demonstrate equity, accountability and integrity in all dealings, both personal and professional, with all councillors, staff, residents and stakeholders to facilitate an open and honest environment to work, participate and do business.”
- The Improper Use of Influence section states, in part, that councillors must “refrain from any type of personnel management including providing direction to an employee, advocating for the promotion, sanction or termination of an employee, or discussion on the performance of an employee.”
- The Use of Municipal Assets and Services section states, in part, that council “shall not use, or attempt to use, the county’s funds, property or information for personal benefit or gain of the councillor or any other person” and shall “disclose to council any behaviour or activity that may qualify as corruption, fiscal abuse, fraud or bribery.”
The code of conduct also sets out rules for submitting and handling complaints, as well as the makeup of the complaint process system.
- The Sanctions section reads, in part, that, “If it is determined by the complaint hearing board that a breach of this bylaw has occurred, the following actions may be imposed by resolution of council: A letter of reprimand addressed to the councillor; requesting the councillor issue a letter of apology and publication of the letter; and a requirement to attend training.”
A complaint form is also included in the overall code of conduct bylaw.
“Administration intends to create a separate policy in the coming months to deal with sections relative to election and campaigning practices which are being recommended to separate from the council code of conduct bylaw,” administration said in a briefing note to council.
The committee passed a motion calling on administration to bring the draft code of conduct before council for consideration.
