Green lobby ready to press on, following environment-focused October
Climate change commitments in the recent Throne Speech have set the tone for even more vigorous environmental advocacy in this parliamentary session, following an October in which the environment was the top subject of discussion between government officials and lobbyists in federal communication reports, according to the national policy manager of the David Suzuki Foundation. “’This […]
B.C. flood disaster to spark heavy climate change, infrastructure advocacy, say lobbyists
Devastating flooding in British Columbia is almost certain to put emergency relief efforts at the top of advocacy discussions with the federal government as Parliament resumes this week, and will spur more lobbying later this fall related to climate change mitigation, say lobbyists. “You’re talking about not just people’s lives and their homes; you’re talking […]
Business groups, NDP want answers about COVID-19 support programs before Parliament resumes
Business advocacy groups aren’t waiting for the return of Parliament later this month to push the federal government for clarification on new COVID-19 support programs their members may depend on to help see them through the winter. “The devil is always in the details. There are some details that we’re still looking for some clarity […]
End of 2021 will be a boom time for lobbying, say GR consultants
A slow September for lobbying activity is likely to be followed by some of the busiest months for government relations in 2021, as organizations try to take advantage of a new Liberal cabinet filled mostly with senior ministers in new posts, according to some lobbyists. “When I look at the makeup of the cabinet, I […]
‘It can only benefit the conversation’: connecting leaders with frontline stakeholders a priority for lobbyists on Indigenous-related files
Connecting decision-makers to those directly affected by their policies has been a priority for federal lobbyists working on Indigenous-related files over the past year. “The conversation has become much broader, much more informed, much more constructive, with everybody,” said Isabel Metcalfe, who is currently registered to lobby on behalf of four Indigenous-led organizations. “We’re speaking […]
Alberta energy sector has opportunity with two Liberal MPs elected in province, say lobbyists
Greater Liberal representation in Alberta in the new Parliament could give a stronger voice to the energy sector in Ottawa, according to some lobbyists. “By having someone at the table, I think Albertans’ hope is to have a strong oil and gas sector and have their issues brought to the table and actually be heard, […]
Lobbyists left wondering who could get dinged with O’Toole’s $50,000 fines
A proposal by Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole to increase the monetary penalty for violators of the Conflict of Interest Act 100-fold has left lobbyists wondering what sort of behaviour could lead to the heftier fine. Mr. O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) released his party’s platform on Aug. 16. It included a pledge to toughen Canada’s ethical and […]
Election period is ‘the best time’ to engage on some policy issues, says H+K lobbyist
The federal election period can provide a prime opportunity for lobbyists to gain traction on some policy issues, say some in the lobbying business. The dissolution of Parliament and caretaker convention restrict the actions a government can take, but political parties may be more open to policy proposals. “Some people say, ‘Well, you know, the […]
Let’s not go back to the way we engaged with government pre-pandemic
A child-care consultation earlier this year simultaneously included stakeholders from Yellowknife, Winnipeg and Toronto. Late last year, 36 youth held 25 meetings with MPs across eight provinces and territories to talk about how COVID is impacting their health, employment, and communities. Gender equity advocates from across the country spoke with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland about […]
Lobbying commissioner’s investigations remain steady despite skyrocketing lobbying activity during pandemic
Skyrocketing lobbying levels during the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t significantly impacted the number of potential rule-breakers assessed by the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying (OCL), which has remained close to pre-pandemic levels, according to the lobbying commissioner. “Although the numbers of registration and monthly communication reports have increased, with respect to actual preliminary assessments and […]
