IQALUIT
A long-awaited code of conduct for Iqaluit city councillors faced first and second reading June 23, but it was not without controversy.

Education Minister Jackson Lafferty listens to a question from the media at a news conference at the legislative assembly on Thursday. He was announcing that the first-ever aboriginal educators' symposium will be held in Yellowknife next week when education ministers from across the country converge on the city. - John McFadden/NNSL photo

Coun. Terry Dobbin called it a "gag order," and Mayor Mary Wilman did little to ease councillor Kenny Bell's concerns that the bylaw - which sets limits on the way councillors can address the public - was designed to silence him, as Wilman repeatedly shut Bell's microphone off during the debate.

Accused repeatedly of breaking policies and procedures for bringing concerns to light that had the potential to embarrass the City, Bell said he was "testing the waters" all that time to push for policies to be put in place.

"My one complaint, the mayor has the final authority to recommend any of the sanctions," he said at the meeting, pointing out there is no recourse if the mayor is the problem. "You've accused me more than once, but once in writing, of breaking policies and procedures that didn't exist, for talking with the media, so I have a problem with that, specifically that one person will have the power to do anything."

He called for an amendment to the code to introduce a method for a councillor to have a third party assist in discipline "so everyone has a fair shake because I clearly wouldn't get one from you," he told Wilman.

The request was ignored.

"This isn't about me..." Wilman started, with Bell interrupting to say "No, it's about me."

She responded that Bell could have requested such changes by attending the workshop where councillors discussed the code ahead of its introduction as a bylaw.

Coun. Stephen Mansell, who sits beside Bell around the table, supported the bylaw, which was inspired by laws in other jurisdictions.

"In the last year, I've been taken aback by some of the unprofessional behaviour and particularly the way Coun. Bell feels it is appropriate to speak to people," Mansell said. "This council doesn't have the tools to deal with those sorts of things. In addition, Counc. Bell has raised a number of issues that we don't have the tools to address. I think this gives the next council the ability to address situations when they come up so they don't become as heated and difficult as some of the issues we've seen in this council."

His comments set off a back-and-forth best left as transcript:

Bell: "It makes me laugh that Coun. Mansell would say stuff like that where he shows up late multiple times..." (microphone falls silent)

Wilman: "Coun. Bell, this is about code of conduct, it has nothing to do with..."

Bell: "Showing up late is against the code of conduct, it's in here..." (cut off again, Bell is heard off-microphone) "He yelled at me in a public meeting telling me that I'm a ridiculous human being... are you turning off my mic?"

Wilman: "I am turning off your mic..."

Bell: "Then call a point of order, don't just turn off my mic."

Wilman: "...because I don't appreciate your tone. If you could say what you need to say what you need to say with respect, please do so."

Bell: "I would like to know why you didn't do the exact same thing to Coun. Mansell."

Wilman: "Are there any more questions?"

The first and second reading passed, and the bylaw could go into effect if it passes third reading, which could happen as soon as July 14.

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