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Municipality of Fundy Albert
Respectful Communications & Public Interaction Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all interactions between the public and
municipal employees, including the CAO, staff, and contractors, occur in a
respectful, safe, and professional manner. The Municipality is committed to
providing quality service while protecting staff from harassment, abusive conduct,
and unsafe communication environments.
2. Legislative Authority
This policy aligns with the following:
- Local Governance Act (NB): CAO responsibility to ensure efficient
administration and staff management.
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (NB): Employer duty to protect
workers from harassment, violence, and unsafe conditions.
- Municipal Harassment & Respectful Workplace Principles (standard across
NB municipalities).
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All members of the public interacting with the Municipality
- All municipal employees, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and
contract staff
- The CAO and Council members in their administrative capacity
4. Guiding Principles
- All persons have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and
professionalism.
- Municipal employees have the right to work in an environment free from
harassment, threats, verbal abuse, intimidation, or discriminatory
behaviour.
- The Municipality reserves the right to manage communication methods to
protect staff wellbeing and maintain orderly operations.
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5. Unacceptable Conduct
The following behaviours are considered inappropriate and will not be tolerated:
1. Verbal abuse, yelling, or aggressive tone
2. Insults, demeaning comments, or disrespectful language
3. Discriminatory, racist, or derogatory remarks
4. Threatening language or gestures
5. Harassment, persistent complaints, or repeated aggressive contact
6. Refusal to follow direction from staff or CAO regarding communication
boundaries
6. Municipal Authority to Modify Communication Methods
Where unacceptable conduct occurs, staff or the CAO may take the following
actions:
6.1 Immediate Action
- Politely end an in-person, phone, or virtual conversation.
- Instruct the individual that communication will continue only in writing.
Example script:
"This conversation is becoming disrespectful. The Municipality expects respectful
communication. This discussion is now concluded. Please direct all further
communication by e-mail."
6.2 Communication Restrictions
The CAO may implement a Communication Protocol for the individual, including:
- Requiring that all communication occur exclusively by e-mail
- Prohibiting drop-in visits to municipal offices
- Restricting phone contact
- Requiring appointments for in-person meetings
- Assigning a single municipal point of contact
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6.3 Documentation
All restrictions will be documented by staff and maintained by the CAO for
administrative records.
7. Repeated or Severe Behaviour
If disrespectful conduct continues after a communication protocol is applied, the
Municipality may:
- Issue a written warning outlining further restrictions
- Temporarily suspend non-essential services requiring direct
communication
- Contact law enforcement if threats, intimidation, or violence occur
- Seek legal advice regarding trespass or peace bond options
8. Staff Responsibilities
Staff members must:
- Conduct themselves professionally at all times
- Immediately report incidents of abusive or unsafe interactions to their
supervisor or the CAO
- Document incidents in writing, including date, time, behaviour, and actions
taken
9. CAO Responsibilities
The CAO is responsible for:
- Supporting staff in applying this policy
- Implementing communication restrictions when necessary
- Maintaining documentation and ensuring consistency
- Reporting extreme cases to Council where required (information only)
10. Council's Role
Council is not involved in individual enforcement actions but may:
- Endorse this policy formally
- Support the CAO and staff when boundaries are required
- Receive high-level updates on trends or risks (not personal details)
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11. Review and Monitoring
This policy shall be reviewed every two years or sooner if legislative or
operational needs change.
12. Effective Date
This policy comes into effect on February 3, 2026.
Approval and Signatures
Mayor: ____________________________
Clerk: _____________________________