Summary

• The Province has introduced amendments to enable a provincewide, mandatory code of conduct for municipal and regional district elected officials
• A single provincial code will bring clear complaint, investigation and sanctions processes and end the current patchwork of local codes

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The Province is introducing legislation to strengthen conduct standards for local elected officials so people throughout B.C. can count on local governments that work respectfully and focus on serving people.

“Every community benefits from local leadership that is accountable and focused on priorities that matter to people,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “When conduct issues escalate, they can sidetrack councils and regional district boards from their work and undermine public confidence. Establishing a mandatory code of conduct and a transparent process to address conduct issues will provide clarity and predictability for councils and boards across B.C., strengthening accountability and giving citizens greater confidence that their local representatives are acting responsibly and in the public interest.”

The Province has introduced legislative amendments that would allow it to establish a mandatory, provincewide code of conduct for all local elected officials in B.C. with clear processes for complaints, investigations and sanctions. Conduct issues can include bullying or harassment in meetings, harassment of staff or disrespectful behaviour between elected officials that can make governing a community challenging.

“While many local governments have conduct codes today, they are not consistent across jurisdictions and often lack clear steps to address conduct issues,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “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.”

Responding to calls from local governments

A standard code of conduct and consistent processes for code complaints will strengthen accountability, help prevent prolonged disputes within local governments and reduce legal costs that strain local budgets. The Province has been working in partnership with the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) and the Local Government Management Association of B.C. (LGMA) on these amendments in response to calls from advocates, including the B.C. ombudsperson, to make these changes and enhance the local government responsible-conduct framework. Consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners and First Nations is ongoing for this important work.

“Local governments have been consistent in their calls for additional tools to strengthen the practice of responsible conduct,” said Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “This legislation will establish a common standard throughout the province for local elected-official conduct and the handling of complaints and will strengthen the application of sanctions when warranted. UBCM appreciates the careful consultation the province has followed in developing these legislative changes.”

Clear rules, a consistent process and more transparency

Under the proposed legislation:

• All municipalities and regional districts in B.C. would follow the same complaint and investigation steps, supported by independent investigators.
• A defined range of sanctions would be available for the councils and regional boards, including a maximum 90‑day suspension without pay, with clear reporting requirements for the public to ensure transparency.
• A single provincially established code would set a standard of behaviour for all local elected officials in B.C.

Together, these proposed measures will give councils and regional boards a predictable and efficient path to resolve conduct issues, and provide transparent information to residents about outcomes, wherever they live in B.C. If passed by the legislature, the amendments will allow a provincewide code of conduct to be set by a regulation, expected to be in place for the new councils and boards following the October 17, 2026, general local elections.

These actions build on the Province’s earlier work with UBCM and LGMA to promote responsible conduct, including guides, an online module for local elected officials and the 2021 amendment to local government legislation that required councils and boards to consider adopting a code of conduct within six months of their inaugural meeting.

Quotes:

Leonard Krog, mayor, Nanaimo –

“Strong local governments are built on public trust, transparency and accountability. We welcome the Province’s work to establish a consistent code of conduct for all local elected officials in British Columbia. Clear standards, along with a fair and transparent process for complaints, investigations and sanctions, will help strengthen public confidence and support respectful, effective decision-making in local government.”

Gladys Atrill, mayor, Smithers –

“I fully support the initiative to introduce a B.C.-wide code of conduct for local governments. Removing the need for each community to write its own code in favour of a clear provincial process will allow local elected officials to focus on the work they were elected to do, while understanding the professional standards expected of them. Being respectful of one another at our tables is the basis of productive discussion and sound decision-making.”

Candace Witkowskyj, executive director, Local Government Management Association of B.C. –

“The LGMA welcomes the Province’s efforts to strengthen the responsible conduct framework for local elected officials. Informed by feedback from local government, establishing a clear, consistent and provincewide mandatory code of conduct – supported by transparent complaint, investigation and sanctions processes – will enhance accountability, support healthier governance relationships and strengthen public trust in local decision making. These amendments represent an important step in supporting local governments who serve communities across B.C.”

Mike O’Reilly, councillor, Kamloops –

“Having predictable, fair processes in place helps councils focus on effective governance and responsible use of local tax dollars. This legislation reflects what municipalities across B.C. have been asking for: clarity, consistency and a fair process for addressing conduct issues. A standardized code of conduct will strengthen governance, support respectful workplaces and help local governments focus on the work that matters most – delivering for their communities.”

John Hackett, hegus, Tla’amin Nation –

“Tla’amin Nation welcomes this legislation and the Province's commitment to consistent, enforceable standards for local elected officials across B.C. In recent years, hate speech and residential-school denialism have gone unchallenged in our city’s council chambers, and a sitting elected official publicly mocked our Tla’amin language. These are not isolated incidents. They reflect what happens when accountability standards are absent and processes for addressing harm fall short.”

Tyson Koch, chief administrative officer, Harrison Hot Springs –

“In smaller communities like ours, conduct issues are felt quickly and deeply, often derailing council business and community trust. Over the last term, we’ve seen how disruptive prolonged conflict can be in many communities across the province, particularly in rural and resort municipalities. A provincewide code of conduct will provide clear expectations, consistent accountability and help ensure elected officials remain focused on serving their residents.”

Doug Allin, chief administrative officer, Township of Spallumcheen –

“We commend the Province, along with UBCM and LGMA, for taking this important step to establish a mandatory, provincewide code of conduct for local governments. This legislation provides the clarity and accountability that municipalities have been calling for. A standardized, transparent framework for addressing conduct concerns will help reduce costly disputes and support respectful governance. This is a particularly meaningful advancement for smaller communities and will strengthen public trust, professionalism and integrity in local government.”

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government introduced Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Code of Conduct) Amendment Act, 2026 - bill 17 to amend the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Vancouver Charter, Islands Trust Act, and The Cultus Lake Park Act on April 2, 2026.
• Since 2016, there have been six endorsed UBCM resolutions calling for changes to the responsible conduct framework, including a 2024 resolution calling on the provincial government to establish an Office of the Municipal Government Ethics Commissioner.
• Approximately 68% of all municipalities and 81% of all regional districts have adopted a code of conduct; 29% of local governments do not have an enforcement mechanism for their code.
• Given the differences in the governance structure of school boards, the responsible conduct legislation will not apply to school boards at this time, though all 60 boards of education have trustee codes of conduct already.

Learn More:

• For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/Legislation