B.C. mayor to take training after Dubai climate trip found to breach of code of conduct

New Westminster’s mayor will undergo training following an ethics commissioner’s finding that his trip to Dubai last year for a climate conference violated the city’s code of conduct.

On Monday, ethics commissioner Jennifer Devins presented her report to the council regarding Mayor Patrick Johnstone’s participation in the Local Climate Action Summit, part of the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference. The trip was funded by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, a global network of mayors dedicated to combating climate change.

Devins determined that expenses for flights, accommodations, and meals were considered a "personal gift" to Johnstone. However, she noted that he took steps to assess the trip's potential benefits to the city and sought advice upon returning. Devins described the breach as an “inadvertence and a good faith error of judgment,” recommending training for Johnstone on his obligations under the community charter.

Council approved this recommendation, though two councillors advocated for additional measures. Coun. Daniel Fontaine, who co-filed the initial ethics complaint, argued that Johnstone should donate $5,000 to the Don’t Go Hungry charity to offset the personal benefits received from the trip. Fontaine expressed disappointment that Johnstone had not yet publicly apologized, saying, “It would have been a nice message to the public that, ‘I get it, I made a mistake and I am prepared to pay back.’”

Following the meeting, Johnstone posted an apology on Facebook, writing, “Not happy it was about me, but happy that our Code of Conduct process works, and that #NewWest Council takes the work of an Ethics Commissioner seriously.” He acknowledged the error in judgment and appreciated the commissioner’s ruling.

Coun. Tasha Henderson, who supported the training recommendation, also felt an apology was appropriate. She pointed out that while residents facing high living costs might question conference travel, Johnstone aimed to advance the city’s climate efforts.

“It’s a great honour and reflects the work we are doing,” Henderson said, noting that Johnstone’s involvement helped secure $100,000 for youth climate initiatives. This funding will support the creation of a youth climate action team and connect senior staff with global climate leaders. Henderson emphasized that council as a whole would benefit from training to prevent similar issues in the future.