The minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs has ordered that the municipal election in the town of Kippens be deferred following complaints of harassment within the town council.

The department says the decision to delay the municipal election for two months is intended to provide enough time for the department to conclude a special inspection which is in its final stages.

The department says it’s also developing legislation that will require all municipalities to establish a code of conduct for councillors and employees that will allow municipalities to identify and address respectful workplace issues.

The municipal election in Kippens is set for November 30th.