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City of Fernie adopts new councillor code of conduct

The new code of conduct lays out expectations of councillor behaviour, and decision-making processes
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City of Fernie city hall. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)

The City of Fernie has formally adopted a councillor code of conduct policy as of August 22.

Codes of conduct are encouraged for local governments by the provincial government, and the new City of Fernie code of conduct draws on best practices from around the province. Councillors had previously considered the code on July 18, and formally adopted it on August 22.

Under the new code, which will apply to all members of council, councillors are expected to abide by six ‘foundational principles of responsible conduct’, being integrity, respect, accountability, leadership and collaboration (one principle), creativity and transparency.

The code goes in-depth on 16 different items, laying out expectations of of behaviour sitting councillors in their conduct towards each other and staff, and in their decision-making processes.

Under the code, which is in effect as of August 15, all councillors are encouraged to sign a statement affirming they have read and understand the code of conduct, “although members who decline or fail to sign the statement are still bound in all respects by the Code of Conduct policy,” reads the official policy.

Breaches of the code are dealt with through the Chief Administrative Officer.

The full code can be read on the City of Fernie website.

READ MORE: Fernie weighs up council code of conduct



scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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