Long-awaited Code of Conduct adopted by county
TRURO, N.S. – Colchester County Council members have come under an official Code of Conduct.
“It is a basic Code of Conduct,” said Mayor Christine Blair. “We have the framework.”
The Code of Conduct follows a template provided by the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM).
Council has been working toward creating its Code of Conduct since June 2017 but had been waiting for the province to complete its review of the NSFM template.
“It’s something that should have been done two years ago,” Blair said.
Rather than wait longer, however, Blair said council opted to accept the recommendations put forth by the NSFM, while leaving itself open to adjustments after the province makes its recommendations.
“We are looking forward to those and we are looking forward to seeing what we may do in regards to the code of conduct that would be in the best interests of Colchester County,” the mayor said.
The code essentially sets out procedures to follow for adhering to a respectful workplace policy for elected members while advancing the common good of the municipality.
The code requires that council members perform the function of office “truly, faithfully and impartially” to the best of their knowledge and abilities in accordance with the following core values:
• integrity – giving the municipality’s interests “absolute priority” over private individual interests;
• honesty – being truthful and open;
• objectivity – making decisions based on a careful and fair analysis of the facts;
• accountability – being accountable to each other and the public for decisions taken;
• leadership – confronting challenges and providing direction on the issues of the day. Under the code, all members of council are expected to promote the standards of behaviour expected of them while enhancing the credibility and integrity of council in the broader community.
The code further sets out rules council is expected to follow when dealing with the public, during meetings, with respect to the decision-making process and confidential information while refraining from showing bias or favouritism toward vendors, contractors or others doing business with the municipality.