The proper operation of democratic local government requires that elected officials

be independent, impartial and duly responsible to the people. To this end, it is

imperative that:

• Government decisions and policy be made through the proper channels of

government structure.

• Public office not be used for personal gain.

• The public have confidence in the integrity of its government.

Accordingly, it is the purpose of these standards of conduct to establish

recommended rules or guidelines for all local government elected officials in British

Columbia so that they may carry out their duties with impartiality and equality of

service to all, recognizing that the basic functions of elected local government

officials are, at all times, service to their community and the public.

To further these objectives, certain ethical principles should govern the conduct of

all elected local government officials in British Columbia in order that they shall

maintain the highest standards of conduct in public office and faithfully discharge

the duties of office without fear or favour.

Elected Local Government Officials shall:

• Declare to the Council or Board at the first opportunity their interests, or known

interests of any close relatives, in any enterprise which proposes to transact

business with their municipality or (if a Regional Director) regional district; not

vote on the matter; and should leave the place of the meeting during discussion

and vote on the subject.

• Declare to the Council or Board at the first opportunity their interests or the

known interests of any close relatives, in any property which is subject to a

rezoning proposal, development proposal, subdivision or any permit or other

consideration within their municipality or (if a Regional Director) regional

district; not vote on the matter; and leave the place of the meeting during

discussion and vote on the subject.

• Not use information designated confidential for the personal profit of themselves

or any other person.

• Not communicate information designated confidential to anyone not entitled to

receive the same.

• Not use their position to secure special privileges, favours or exemptions for

themselves, or any other person.

• Avoid any situations that could cause any person to believe that they may have

brought bias or partiality to a question before the Council or Regional Board.

• For a period of twelve (12) months after leaving office, abide by those ethical

standards of conduct listed above, except those related to confidential information

which shall apply in perpetuity.

Elected local government officials should not assume that any unethical activities

not covered by or specifically prohibited by these ethical standards of conduct, or by

any legislation, are therefore condoned.