New Legislative Changes Give Local Governments Tools to Act When Elected Officials Face Criminal Charges

New legislative changes are giving municipalities and regional districts more tools to utilize when elected officials face criminal charges.

One change will amend the existing disqualification rules to ensure an elected official is disqualified at the time of a conviction or indictable offense.

A second amendment will require an elected official to be placed on mandatory paid leave during the duration of criminal proceedings, once charged with a criminal offense.

Each of the changes align with recently adopted resolutions of the Union of BC Municipalities, and respond to concerns raised by multiple local governments.