An updated version of the code of conduct for Saint John common council members is one step closer.
Under the Local Governance Act (LGA), local governments must establish a code of conduct bylaw for council members.
Council adopted a code of conduct in 2019 which reflects its obligations under the LGA, however, it does not contain an administrative process or detailed enforcement procedures.
“Staff drafted a proposed revised code of conduct that builds in an administrative process and enforcement procedures,” reads a city staff report.
Proposed changes include:
- Some small house cleaning items were done and minor enhancements were made to what was already in the code
- An introductory paragraph to the values of council that sets the backdrop to those values was added
- An informal and a formal complaint process were added, complete with a prescribed complaint form
- Enhanced recourses for violation of the code were added
- A process to deal with complaints received during an Election Period was added
“This (update) has my full support, but one thing I would like to see our council do in the future is for us to have guiding principles so that we are constantly keeping those in mind to make fair and ethical decisions, I know that we are all trying to do that anyway, but always great to have guiding principles because most boards do,” said Councillor Paula Radwan during a common council meeting on Monday.
Council approved first and second reading of the code of conduct bylaw.
It will go back to council for final approval at a later date.
