Alberta government proposes scrapping municipal codes of conduct in overhaul of local governance rules
EDMONTON — Alberta is proposing to scrap the requirement for municipal councils to adopt codes of conduct, citing growing concerns that the rules have been misused and caused dysfunction in local governments.
The change is part of a broader suite of amendments introduced Tuesday under the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, aimed at modernizing municipal processes and strengthening protections for new homebuyers.
Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver said the proposed repeal of mandatory codes of conduct would help restore trust in local government by ending their politicized use between councillors.
“In recent years, we’ve seen how codes of conduct have been weaponized by council members,” McIver said. “We believe accountability should come from the voters who elected them, not through internal council politics.”
If passed, municipalities would no longer be required — or permitted — to establish their own codes of conduct. Instead, the province intends to consult municipalities on establishing common practices and potentially creating an independent ethics commissioner to handle councillor conduct concerns.
The proposed legislation also updates the Local Authorities Election Act and Municipal Government Act to improve fairness and accessibility in municipal elections, and proposes new rules under the New Home Buyer Protection Act to enhance construction quality and consumer protections.
Changes to the election act include new rules allowing political parties in Calgary and Edmonton to share campaign funds with their local candidates — a move the province says brings municipal finance rules in line with provincial legislation. Parties would also be required to disclose their finances before the October 2025 vote.
The amendments would also allow displaced Jasper residents impacted by last year’s wildfires to vote and run in municipal elections if they intend to return. And to improve accessibility, municipalities will be allowed to offer elector assistance terminals for voters with disabilities.
“The Canadian National Institute for the Blind fully supports these changes,” said Robert Fenton KC, chair of CNIB. “They will ensure blind, Deafblind and low-vision Albertans can vote with dignity and secrecy.”
The bill also proposes streamlining Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs), which guide service delivery between neighbouring municipalities. The changes are meant to cut red tape and clarify which services must be included, while improving dispute resolution mechanisms.
“Alberta Municipalities is encouraged by the government’s efforts to clarify ICF rules,” said Tyler Gandam, president of Alberta Municipalities. “We also welcome the move to strengthen protections for new homebuyers.”
Proposed amendments to the New Home Buyer Protection Act would make it easier for owner-builders to apply for exemptions, improve warranty flexibility, and establish a new advisory group to improve protections. Future regulatory changes would also introduce builder competency requirements and a formal dispute resolution process.
Scott Flash, CEO of BILD Alberta, called the changes “a step forward” for consumer confidence and housing affordability.
If passed, the legislation would come into effect ahead of this fall’s municipal elections and align with ongoing efforts to reform local governance in the province.
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