INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Elected Official Code of Conduct Policy is the first of its kind in British Columbia. With five of seven members adopting the same code (RDOS, Village of Keremeos, Town of Osoyoos, Town of Princeton, and City of Penticton), it is the first sub-regional code of conduct policy in the province for elected officials. The policy is based on the foundational principles of integrity, accountability, leadership, respect, openness, and collaboration.

The City of Penticton is the latest municipality within the RDOS to adopt the policy on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The policy was drafted by a working group consisting of corporate officers from the Regional District and all six member municipalities, including the District of Summerland and Town of Oliver.

“The Code of Conduct covers a range of issues, including general conduct for elected officials, complaint handling, and consequences of breaching the policy,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair. “The policy also covers interactions with staff, volunteers and other elected officials.”

The Code of Conduct is intended to guide elected officials in conducting their business and is essential to open and transparent government. The draft policy was reviewed and revised by the Young Anderson code of conduct team, who have conducted similar reviews for other local governments around B.C.

To view the Elected Official Code of Conduct Policy, please visit the RDOS website at www.rdos.bc.ca.
Select the Local Government tab > Board Policies > Elected Official Code of Conduct Policy.

For further information, please contact Christy Malden, RDOS Corporate Officer/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts:

Christy Malden
RDOS Corporate Officer/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
250-490-4146 

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-Free 1-877-610-3737