Province proposes stronger code of conduct for all B.C. municipalities

The B.C. government has introduced legislation aimed at addressing infighting at city councils across the province.

The provincial government has introduced legislation to address infighting within B.C.’s city halls.

The proposed amendments, if passed, would create a province-wide code of conduct for all local politicians, including a standardized process for complaints and sanctions for those who don’t follow the rules of respect.

Issues that would be addressed under the new rules include bullying in council meetings, harassment of staff or disrespectful behaviour between councillors, according to the province.

Read more: Vancouver council approves respectful discourse pledge as mayor faces defamation suit

“While many local governments have conduct codes today, they are not consistent across jurisdictions and often lack clear steps to address conduct issues,” Brittny Anderson, B.C.’s minister of state for local governments and rural communities, said in a news release.

“Once in place, a provincial code of conduct will ensure all local elected officials are held to the same ethical standards across B.C., help avoid dysfunction at the local level and improve fairness and public trust in local governments.”

Under the new rules, elected officials could face an up to 90-day suspension without pay. However, the province will not go as far as recalling politicians.

“We have been thoughtful and cautious on that front, recognizing that is a very high bar,” Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle said.

Vancouver Coun. Pete Fry, who filed a code of conduct complaint against the ruling ABC Party for having meetings behind closed doors, said the legislation is a welcome change, but there are some gaps.

“This is a pretty comprehensive piece, but there’s a few flags in here that do raise some questions for me,” the Green Party councillor told CTV News.

“Number one is that it won’t receive complaints from the public. So this would only be complaints from within council or staff, and I think that’s a bit of a gap.”

New Westminster Coun. Nadine Nakagawa said the code of conduct changes are crucial for accountability as municipalities across B.C. get ready for the October election.

“This is really essential for a lot of people, you know, women in particular, but anybody who’s underrepresented to feel that they’re actually able to serve in an elected role,” she told CTV News. “Because without it, you just feel that you’re going to be at the mercy of bullying and harassment with no recourse.”

If the legislation is passed, it would come into effect following the Oct. 17 election.