The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs says the town of Stephenville has not yet adopted its Code of Conduct as per new legislation that came into effect on September 1.

Municipalities have to establish their own Codes of Conduct by March 1 of 2023.

The news comes following the revelation that the mayor, deputy mayor, a councilor and town manager were in Hamburg, Germany in early October for a green energy conference, and took Risley up on the offer for the return flight to Canada.

Municipalities that have not yet adopted their Code of Conduct, are still subject to the Municipal Conduct Act and regulations which provide what the department calls clear guidelines for councils on conflict of interest and a framework on what is acceptable and what is not.