COQUITLAM, B.C., June 6, 2023 – Council has adopted Coquitlam’s first code of conduct for elected officials – a tangible achievement in the City’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in governance.
Yesterday, Council approved the Council Code of Conduct developed to provide a framework for equitable, respectful behaviour and decision-making by existing and future elected officials in Coquitlam. Similar work is taking place across B.C. as part of a new legislative requirement for local governments.
Code Based on Best Practices
As of 2022, B.C.’s Community Charter requires municipal governments to consider adopting a code of conduct for elected officials following each general local election, or to review their existing code. Consideration must include the principles of integrity, accountability, respect, leadership and collaboration.
Following their consideration of the matter, local governments have the option to not establish a code of conduct, as there are a variety of laws, bylaws and policies already in place to govern the actions of elected officials. However, codes of conduct encourage public trust and confidence by signaling a local government’s commitment to respectful and ethical behaviour, and are increasingly considered to be a hallmark of a modern well-run civic organization.
Coquitlam’s new code is based on a model and training resources developed by two organizations that work with B.C.’s local governments – the Union of B.C. Municipalities and the Local Government Management Association – in conjunction with Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The work included best practices and consultation with local government.
A Principles-based Approach
Coquitlam’s code is not intended to discourage full and frank debate of issues, but rather ensure elected officials operate in a respectful, safe and equitable space where all parties can speak and be heard.
The code focuses on the principles and values that result in respectful and productive interactions, such as:
- Integrity – behaving honestly and ethically
- Respect – valuing the perspectives, wishes and rights of others
- Accountability – willingly accepting responsibility and accounting for one’s actions
- Leadership – leading, listening to, and positively influencing others
- Collaboration – coming together to create or meet a common goal through collective efforts
Standards of conduct are also provided to outline behaviours associated with each principle.
Integrating the Code Principles
The code will also be backed up by other education, training and guidance, including:
- Resources published on the City website supporting civil and professional interactions by/with Council and staff;
- Detailed or enhanced content for Council learning, including candidate information packages and Council orientation; and
- A review of the Oath of Office and Council Procedure bylaws and associated materials, with amendments as needed to align with the underlying principles of the new code.
Coquitlam’s Council Code of Conduct is flexible and can be amended over time as needed. At minimum, Council will consider reviewing it at least once every election cycle.
For more information or to view the code, go to: coquitlam.ca/council.
Fostering a Positive Work Culture
The principles embedded in the new Council Code of Conduct dovetail with the long-standing tradition of respectful conduct among the City’s elected officials and between Council and staff, as well as the organization’s commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, fair and respectful workplace for all employees.
These values contribute to Coquitlam’s culture of excellence as well as a positive work culture that has helped the City maintain its status as one of B.C.’s Top Employers for six years in a row. For more about working in Coquitlam, visit coquitlam.ca/jobs.
Media contact:
Stephanie James
General Manager, Legislative Services
media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.