You can consult the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Elected Officials of North Hatley here.
Sorry, I couldn’t find any documents in English.
In order to maintain public trust and ensure exemplary governance, Article 5 of the Code of Ethics for Municipal Elected Officials sets out clear rules of conduct and prohibitions. These rules govern behavior in public meetings as well as the use of resources, the management of personal interests, the acceptance of benefits, the confidentiality of information, and post-term activities. The objective is simple: to prevent conflicts of interest, protect independence of judgment, and ensure a climate of respect and civility among elected officials, employees, and citizens.
The following points summarize the most significant provisions intended to provide a practical and accessible guide for anyone wishing to understand the ethical expectations that apply to board members.
Rules of conduct & prohibitions (Article 5)
Some of the most significant rules:
Use of municipal resources
It is prohibited to use municipal resources for personal purposes or for purposes other than those related to the performance of one’s duties. des ressources municipales
Respect/civility
It is prohibited to behave in a “disrespectful or uncivil” manner toward elected officials, employees, or citizens, particularly through “verbal, written, or physical acts that are offensive or intimidating.”
Requirement to attend meetings and to be reasonable in expenses incurred in connection with the position.
Conflicts of interest
It is prohibited to act or fail to act in a manner that favors one’s personal interest or that of a third party at the expense of the municipality.
Elected officials must avoid situations where they are likely to have to choose between their personal interests and those of the municipality.
Receiving/soliciting benefits
It is prohibited to solicit, accept, or receive any benefit (gift, hospitality, service, etc.) offered by a supplier or that could influence one’s independence of judgment.
Specifically, any benefit that is not strictly private and exceeds $200 must be reported to the clerk-treasurer within 30 days.
Renseignements privilégiés
Il est interdit d’utiliser, de communiquer ou de tenter d’utiliser ou communiquer des renseignements obtenus dans l’exercice de ses fonctions qui ne sont pas à la disposition du public, pour son propre avantage ou celui d’un tiers.
Cela inclut les communications via web ou médias sociaux.
Après-mandat
Pour 12 mois après la fin du mandat, il est interdit d’occuper un poste d’administrateur ou dirigeant d’une personne morale de façon à tirer un avantage de ses fonctions antérieures à titre d’élu municipal.
Annonce lors d’une activité de financement politique
Il est interdit à un membre du conseil, lors d’une activité de financement politique, de faire l’annonce de la réalisation d’un projet, de la conclusion d’un contrat ou de l’octroi d’une subvention par la municipalité, sauf si une décision finale a déjà été prise.
In conclusion
These rules are not mere formalities: they constitute the ethical framework that protects the public interest, preserves the impartiality of decisions, and strengthens confidence in municipal institutions.
By reminding elected officials of the limits they must respect, the Code of Conduct establishes clear guidelines for all of them. Their consistent application, accompanied by increased transparency (disclosures, training, accountability) and sanctions in the event of deviations, ensures a climate of respect and fairness. Ultimately, adherence to these principles is not a constraint, but an essential condition for responsible governance in the service of citizens.
On that note, happy thinking!
