Canola sector tops environment lobbying in March with Net-Zero concerns
Canada’s canola industry took the lead in environmental advocacy in March, partly to address how that sector will fit into Ottawa’s target of reducing nitrogen emissions by 30 per cent by the end of the decade. “There’s an emission target put out there, and so growers would be concerned, naturally. They need to be able […]
Health-care workforce crisis and housing affordability top pre-budget advocacy on the Hill
Advocacy addressing the labour crisis in the health-care sector is just getting started, following the federal budget that didn’t adequately address worker retention, according to the president of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). “There is a shortage of health-care professionals—yes, in rural and remote regions—but also now we see that in urban areas as well,” […]
Time is right for health-care advocates looking to make an impact on budget 2022, say lobbyists
The supply and confidence agreement struck last week between the Liberals and the NDP has opened the door for advocacy related to health care and long-term projects in advance of the 2022 federal budget, according to some government relations consultants. “I would say for the medical sector, this is going to be your budget. If […]
Boissonnault, Freeland among top lobbying targets in February as budget looms
In the weeks before Canada announced it would end pre-arrival COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travellers, tourism industry groups were clamouring to meet with Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault, but one of the most active groups says the budget will be the best test of whether the struggling industry will get the support it needs. Airlines and […]
Top 100 Lobbyists 2022: Hybrid model is new norm for lobbyists tired of virtual meetings
A return to more in-person meetings in 2022 may reduce the extraordinarily high level of government engagement that has been typical during the COVID-19 pandemic, but probably not down to pre-pandemic levels, according to some lobbyists. “I think we may already be starting to see a tapering-off as we bounce back from COVID,” said Jason […]
A leader with baggage steps back into the spotlight
The entrance of Jean Charest, ex-politician extraordinaire, to the federal Conservative leadership race requires a closer examination of his work since 2013 as an influential lobbyist and consultant while at McCarthy Tétrault. This comes as Charest is breathing a sigh of relief after the Quebec Liberal Party was just cleared by an anti-corruption probe into […]
Revised lobbyists’ code: solutions in search of problems
Last December, the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying published a draft update to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct. Following thorough consultation with our members, the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC) along with the Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC), identified several elements that are not only unworkable and difficult to enforce, but reflect […]
Trudeau right to not engage with trucker protesters, but must ‘de-escalate’ situation, say politicos
As the trucker protests in downtown Ottawa approach the two-week mark, two former Liberal staffers say Justin Trudeau is right not to engage with protesters, while a Conservative strategist says the prime minister needs to begin de-escalating the situation. “Whether this is a vulnerable moment for Trudeau politically, I would say no, if he begins […]
Chagger brings past successes and lingering ghosts to new role as PROC chair
Left out of the cabinet lineup last October, Liberal MP Bardish Chagger is now chair of the all-important Procedure and House Affairs Committee, and while some politicos don’t perceive the move as a personal slight, and laud her skills and experience, others question whether she’s the best fit for the role. While committee chairs are […]
Diving back into Broadcasting Act reform could mean big controversy
Members of Parliament, lobbyists, and stakeholders are anticipating legislation to reform the Broadcasting Act to be introduced early in this winter House session—but major digital companies are already ramping up resistance. It would be another attempt to quickly pick up legislation that dropped off the Order Paper before the last federal election. In the previous […]
