Code of Conduct and Complaint Process

The Town of Mahone Bay is dedicated to maintaining integrity, transparency, and professionalism in municipal governance. To support these values, the Town has adopted the Code of Conduct for Municipal Elected Officials, as required by the Nova Scotia Municipal Government Act. This Code applies to all municipalities in Nova Scotia and sets clear standards for ethical behaviour and accountability for elected officials.


The Code outlines expectations for conduct and provides a process for addressing potential breaches. Complaints are handled by an independent investigator to ensure fairness, confidentiality, and integrity throughout the investigation.


Key areas covered include:

• General Conduct: Maintaining integrity, transparency, and adherence to procedural rules.
• Confidential Information: Protecting sensitive municipal information from unauthorized use or disclosure.
• Conflict of Interest: Avoiding decisions influenced by personal gain.
• Fairness: Treating all individuals equally and with respect.
• Use of Municipal Resources: Ensuring municipal property and services are used appropriately.
• Interaction with Staff and Service Providers: Maintaining professional relationships and boundaries.

Visit Code of Conduct for Municipal Elected Officials Regulations

Filing a Complaint

With an update to provincial regulations, only Council members can make complaints under the Municipal Code of Conduct for Elected Officials. For more information, please click here. 

Complaints must meet the following criteria:

1. Submission Timeline: This must be filed within six months of discovering the alleged breach.
2. Format: Complaints must be submitted in writing to the appointed investigator.

​Investigator Contact Information:
Taylor McLellan Cochrane
Jonathan G. Cuming
Managing Partner
50 Bridge Street
Kentville, NS  B4N 2E4