Conduct of locally elected officials

Legislation sets out the roles and responsibilities of locally elected officials. How elected officials conduct themselves as individuals, and collectively as part of a decision-making body, is key to carrying out those responsibilities and providing good governance to their communities.

Responsible conduct

Responsible conduct broadly refers to how locally elected officials conduct themselves with their elected colleagues, with staff and with the public—key groups that play a significant role in helping elected officials carry out their collective responsibilities as decision-makers of their communities.

Responsible conduct is grounded in elected officials conducting themselves according to principles such as integrity, accountability, respect, and leadership and collaboration in a way that furthers a local government’s ability to provide good governance to their community.

• Learn more about responsible conduct of locally elected officials

Ethical standards and conflict of interest

Ethical standards refers to legislated and common law rules of behaviour that locally elected officials must follow. These rules focus on matters that may result in a conflict of interest.

Conflict of interest legislation is one tool used to prevent or address some types of conduct issues. The Community Charter sets out standards regarding potential conflicts of interest for all municipal and regional district elected officials and trustees for the Islands Trust.

• Learn more about ethical standards for locally elected officials