Code of Conduct for Elected Officials

Council works collaboratively - with the benefit of individual knowledge, experience, and community connections - to make balanced decisions to sustain and uphold community values for the betterment of the Town of Canmore.

Council follows a code of conduct that covers:

1. representing the municipality;
2. communicating on behalf of the municipality;
3. respecting the decision-making process;
4. adherence to policies, procedures and bylaws;
5. respectful interactions with councillors, staff, the public, and others;
6. confidential information;
7. conflicts of interest;
8. improper use of influence;
9. use of municipal assets and services;
10. orientation and other training attendance.

You can read a copy of the bylaw pdf here (5.76 MB) . 

Complaints

If you witness or experience conduct by a council member which you believe contravenes this bylaw, you may submit a complaint to the appointed investigator (Barbara McNeil).

Complaints must be submitted in writing and must include the date and the name and signature of an identifiable individual and set out reasonable and probable grounds for the complaint. Complaints can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or dropped off or sent by mail to: Town of Canmore, 902-7 Avenue, Canmore AB  T1W 3K1. 

The Process and What to Expect

1. You will receive a written confirmation from the investigator. 
2. They will likely contact you with more questions for clarification and to discuss the process.
3. The investigator will determine if your complaint is covered under the Code of Conduct and if it is, will begin an investigation. 
4. The councillor who is subject of the complaint will be provided with a copy of the correspondence including the name of the complainant unless such disclosure could reasonably be expected to threaten anyone else’s safety or mental or physical health, or interfere with public safety.
5. If the investigator finds a violation has occurred, you may be contacted with an offer to participate in mediation with the hope of resolving the issue. 
6. If mediation doesn't resolve the issue, the investigator will recommend next steps to council.
7. Council will decide whether or not sanctions are appropriate.

Sanctions are limited to the following: 

1. A letter of reprimand addressed to the Council member;
2. A request that the Council member issue a letter of apology;
3. Publication of a letter of reprimand or request for apology and the Council member’s response;
4. A requirement to attend training;
5. Suspension or removal of the appointment of a Council member as the deputy mayor under section 152 of the Municipal Government Act; 
6. Suspension or removal of the mayor’s presiding duties under section 154 of the Municipal Government Act,
7. Suspension or removal from some or all council committee and bodies to which council has the right to appoint members; 
8. Reduction or suspension of remuneration as defined in section 275.1 of the Municipal Government Act corresponding to a reduction in duties, excluding allowances for attendance at council meetings.