Bylaw 80-2022, in force since May 4, 2022, is the code of ethics and conduct for the town's employees. A breach can lead to a sanction, from a verbal notice up to dismissal.
The Loi sur l'éthique et la déontologie en matière municipale (chapter E-15.1.0.1) requires municipalities to adopt a code of ethics and conduct for their employees, and Bill 49, assented to November 5, 2021, required the code to be revised by May 5, 2022 (preamble).
Notice of motion was given and the draft tabled April 4, 2022, with public notice of the draft April 5. Council adopted the bylaw on May 2, 2022, unanimously among the members present. Public notice of adoption was given May 4, 2022, the date the cover page gives for entry into force; article 15 says the bylaw takes effect on the day of its publication. It replaces and repeals any earlier code adopted by the municipality, without naming one (art. 14).
Managers and employees, plus volunteers and council members who sit on municipal committees, such as the planning advisory committee (CCU) (art. 4).
Employees may not favour their personal interests in their work (art. 7.3.1), or accept any gift or benefit, whatever its value, that could influence their judgment (art. 7.3.4).
An employee who believes they are, or may be, in a conflict of interest must inform their immediate supervisor; ultimately, the director general tells them how to act. Staff must also (art. 7.4):
No one covered by the code may use or communicate confidential or personal information learned through their work, or consult it unless their duties require it (art. 12). Municipal resources may not be used for personal purposes, subject to any specific policy on their use (art. 11).
Staff who took part directly in a tender process or awarded contracts may not, for one year after leaving, hold a decision-making, contract-negotiation or representation role with a bidder or supplier of the municipality (art. 7.4). In the 12 months after the end of their mandate (fin de leur mandat), the director general, treasurer, clerk, their deputies and any other senior employee designated by council may not take a job or a director's or officer's post that lets them or anyone else draw an undue advantage from their former duties (art. 8 b).
Managers report breaches to the director general (art. 8 a). The municipality decides the sanction, in compliance with any employment contract (art. 13), in proportion to the seriousness of the breach and the person's degree of responsibility (art. 13.1): a verbal notice, a written notice, a reprimand, a suspension without pay, or dismissal (art. 13.2). The code sets no fines.
Municipal employees may not accept gifts, hospitality or other benefits offered by a supplier (art. 7.3.5), and must report a possible conflict of interest to their immediate supervisor (art. 7.4).