Since September 2022, the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs has delivered over 40 training and information sessions to municipal councils and staff throughout the province, including mandatory training and information sessions on the Municipal Conduct Act and Code of Conduct templates.
To date, 1,800 councillors, senior staff and other municipal officials have participated in training with the department, with 300 councillors having completed all required training.
In addition to mandatory training on a municipality’s codes of conduct, mandatory training is required on conflict of interest; council budgets and financial management; roles and responsibilities of councillors and chief administrative officers; meetings and procedures; and access to information and protection of privacy.
Registration is currently open for training sessions being held in February, March and April. Registration forms for sessions are available here. To register for a session, send a completed form to MAPATraining@gov.nl.ca.
Training opportunities will also be available to municipalities through third-party consultants, with materials approved by Municipal and Provincial Affairs.
The Municipal Conduct Act was proclaimed on September 1, 2022. In accordance with the new legislation, a council is required to establish codes of conduct that apply to all councillors and municipal officials by March 1, 2023 and to complete training related to their code of conduct within three months of the establishment of the codes. In addition, a councillor and chief administrative officer are required to have their mandatory training completed as of September 1, 2023.
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“Close to 200 municipalities have taken training with the department since September. This is very encouraging as we work to ensure councillors and staff are knowledgeable and well equipped to conduct the business of their municipalities with integrity and professionalism. Officials with the department are an excellent resource for municipal leaders, providing training, guidance and advice whenever needed.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
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Municipal Conduct Act
Municipal Conduct Act Regulations
