Municipal politicians across Nova Scotia must abide by a Code of Conduct that covers more than a dozen areas, from gifts and benefits to handling confidential information.  The code, which includes more than 40 guidelines under 14 categories, was developed based on recommendations of a working group established in January 2022.  In November 2024, Kentville Town Council approved the provincially mandated Code of Conduct Policy for Elected Officials.  This policy has a requirement for the  municipal unit to retain a dedicated legal counsel(s) to review applications and conduct investigations according to the process in this policy.  The policy describes good conduct, as well as inappropriate conduct, it sets out a process for a person to investigate an incident and determine sanctions to an elected official when appropriate.  

On October 7, 2025, Province of Nova Scotia, amended the Code of Conduct regulations to stipulate that only elected officials can now bring forward complaints against members of their own council.