A code of conduct signed this morning by nine Liberal candidates in the Oct. 10 territorial election is designed to demonstrate the value the prospective MLAs place on honesty and integrity, said party leader Arthur Mitchell.

Other candidates in the rural communities will sign the document when they are in Whitehorse.

Mitchell has stated as part of the Liberal platform, though, that those who aren't in good standing with a government loan could not run for office or become a cabinet minister.

As for other situations where the code is violated, Mitchell said a Liberal government would take 'prompt, effective action,' but wouldn't specify what that action would be because he didn't want to deal in hypotheticals.

'I believe Yukoners can only have confidence in the political process if we ensure that MLAs follow the rules,' said Mitchell as he explained why he's requiring all Liberal candidates to sign the code.

The code deals with three sections including ethical standards, integrity and honesty, and openness.

Under ethical standards, it states that MLAs should conform with the spirit of the Conflicts of Interest Act rather than just acting by the letter of the law. MLAs should also follow Code of Ethics and the Executive Council Code of Conduct, the code states.

Conforming to the Conflict of Interest Act would help ensure MLAs would act in the public interest, he said.

In cases where there is the appearance of conflict, the guidance of the conflicts commissioner can be sought, with those recommendations acted on.

Mitchell argued that throughout the last sitting of the legislature, the Yukon Party government avoided telling the public about the recommendations of the conflicts commissioner by having others answer questions on it rather than the minister involved. By the letter of the act, Mitchell explained, what the conflicts commissioner has advised doesn't have to be revealed.

'We think that's really dodging,' he said.

Under the integrity and honesty portion of the code 'MLAs must conduct all relations with MLAs, public servants and members of the public with integrity and honesty.'

Finally, the openness section of the code requires MLAs to be 'open and frank about the performances of their duties at all times.'

The public is entitled to know what MLAs are doing on their behalf, Mitchell told reporters.

Whitehorse West candidate Mike Walton said after knocking on about 700 doors over the campaign so far, one of the biggest questions he's had from voters is, 'Are you going to be ethical?'

'Yukoners care deeply about who it is they're electing,' Walton said, noting he's proud the Liberal leader asked the candidate to sign the code.

Mitchell also invited every election candidate to sign the code, noting extra copies could be provided to other parties and individuals.

While the Code of Ethics doesn't address MLAs who change parties through a term of office, Mitchell argued parliaments throughout the world have a long tradition of electing members who have changed their political affiliation when they no longer feel their views are reflected in their chosen affiliation.

The electorate has every opportunity to judge that person in the next election.

Mitchell argued it's not their role to change such parliamentary tradition.

'First and foremost, it's the person's name on the ballot,' said Mitchell.

Among the Liberals' slate of candidates is former NDP MLAs Gary McRobb for the Kluane riding and Eric Fairclough in Mayo-Tatchun. Both left the party to go to the Liberals earlier this year.

Among the NDP slate of candidates is former Yukon Party cabinet minister John Edzerza in McIntyre-Takhini. He left the government earlier this summer.

Before joining the Yukon Party and being elected premier, Dennis Fentie sat under the NDP banner for his Watson Lake riding.