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Apr 02 2026

Bill 17 Introduces Mandatory Code of Conduct for Local Governments

The Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Codes of Conduct) Amendment Act, 2026, Bill 17, was introduced on April 2. The amendments propose to establish a mandatory, province-wide code of conduct for all local officials in BC, for resolving conduct issues and strengthening the application of sanctions when warranted.

The legislation proposes that:

  • all municipalities and regional districts in BC follow the same complaint and investigation steps, to be supported by independent investigators;
  • a defined range of sanctions would be available for the councils and regional boards, including a maximum 90‑day suspension without pay, with clear reporting requirements for the public to ensure transparency; and
  • a single provincially established code would set a standard of behaviour for all local elected officials in BC. 

Critics claim the bill introduces greater provincial control over municipal governance, potentially limiting local autonomy and reducing flexibility in how councils manage conduct and accountability.

If the Bill passes, a province-wide code of conduct will be set by regulation, and will be expected to be in place for the new councils and boards following the October 17, 2026, general local elections.

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Apr 02 2026

New Parental Leave Standards for Local Elected Officials

The Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Parental Leave) Amendment Act, 2026, Bill 18, introduced on April 2, proposes amendments to the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Vancouver Charter, Islands Trust Act and Cultus Lake Park Act to introduce minimum parental leave standards for mayors, councillors, regional district directors, Islands Trust trustees and Cultus Lake Park Board members.

Some of the standards that local governments would be required to follow include:

  • a clear definition of parental leave for all parents or prospective parents for pregnancy, birth or adoption;
  • a minimum of 26 weeks of leave and flexible start dates that can start as many as 4 weeks before the expected birth/adoption or as many as 26 weeks after;
  • local elected officials may choose whether to continue to receive their pay during leave; and
  • local elected officials will not be disqualified from office for missing council or board meetings during parental leave.

Critics claim the bill introduces new parental leave provisions for elected officials but may create administrative and governance challenges for municipalities, particularly with respect to coverage and continuity.

If passed, the legislation will come into force by Royal Assent.

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Mar 09 2026

Safe Access Zones for Schools and Places of Worship

On March 9, the government tabled two bills intended to protect access to schools and places of public worship.

Bill 12 amends the Safe Access to Schools Act to extend the date of the Act's repeal from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028 and will continue protecting students and staff from disruptive behaviours around schools within safe access zones. Bill 13, the Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act, will extend similar protection to people attending places of public worship.

Both pieces of legislation establish 20-metre protection zones around the boundaries of schools and religious sites, as well as the properties themselves. Police, within these zones, will be allowed to arrest or ticket people for disruptive behaviours such as harassment, intimidation or intervention.

According to the government, the frequency of disruptive incidents on school sites has declined since the Safe Access to Schools Act was first enacted.

Both Bills take effect on Royal Assent and Bill 13 is set to be repealed after four years.

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OnPoint Legal Research, Onpoint Legal Research Law Corporation on LABOUR RELATIONS CODE

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Karen Zimmer, Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP on PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT

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Melanie Harmer, McMillan LLP on JUDICIAL REVIEW PROCEDURE ACT

This section qualifies the application of s. 364(4) insofar as a limitation defence is invoked. In this case, in November 2020, the plaintiff corporation filed a claim against the defendants. The claim was declared a nullity because, at the time of filing, the plaintiff was di...

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D. Michael Bain, K.C., Hamilton Howell Bain & Gould on WILLS, ESTATES AND SUCCESSION ACT

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D. Michael Bain, K.C., Hamilton Howell Bain & Gould on WILLS, ESTATES AND SUCCESSION ACT

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