The provincial government’s new Municipal Conduct Act, which sets out guidelines for municipalities to establish their own Codes of Conduct, will come into effect this week.

The new Act, which received Royal Assent last November, governs issues like conflict of interest, ethical behaviour and professional conduct.

It came following a number of instances of reported bullying and harassment among councillors on a number of municipal councils.

The Department of Municipal Affairs will provide a circular to all municipalities about the regulations and municipalities will be given six months to establish their own codes of conduct based on the new legislation.

Minister Krista Lynn Howell says the legislation, which takes effect on Thursday, September 1, marks a “significant step forward for municipal governance” in Newfoundland and Labrador.