Media experts split on merits, drawbacks of Online News Act designed to address ‘market imbalance’
Although some media experts say they welcome the Online News Act as a short-term solution in an increasingly urgent situation facing Canada’s news media industry, others are wary of legislative overreach, and concerned the proposed legislation will do little to address the larger crisis facing journalism in Canada today. Digital giants Facebook and Google have […]
Mendicino should discard Bill C‑21 in its entirety, and start over
As Canadians grapple with mounting rates of gun violence, it is worth addressing some of the overarching issues that continue to be misrepresented by gun control opponents as well as many decision-makers, fuelling much of the opposition to gun control. Indeed, one of the main concerns is that the conversation around gun control has turned […]
Canadian companies with business ties to Russia feel impact of sanctions, seek government relief
Businesses in Canada that relied on access to Russian markets are feeling the impact of Canada’s recent economic sanctions and seeking federal support for financial losses, including a Quebec-based aluminum equipment company that joined the lobbyists’ registry on April 14. “We need some extraordinary help to find new markets [and] new products in order to compensate […]
‘This isn’t like a study on fish habitat or safety at railway crossings’: MPs reviewing their own conflict-of-interest rules behind closed-doors
MPs have offered no comment as to why a current review of the conflict-of-interest rules is being conducted behind closed doors in the House, while critics say the lack of transparency is “concerning.” “They’re privileged to write their own rules for themselves, and a lack of transparency about how they’re coming up with those rules—who’s […]
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 […]
