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 […]
Virtual lobbying during pandemic ‘not the same’ as in-person lobbying, despite major savings, say lobbyists
Lobbying organizations are looking forward to the day they can return to in-person lobbying events on Parliament Hill, despite having saved a bundle on transportation costs and venue rentals while meetings have been conducted virtually during the global pandemic. “It’s not the same. It just is not the same, especially when [meeting] with people you […]
Agriculture, health, and innovation ministers lead in record-breaking June for lobbying activity
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau was the most lobbied federal minister in June, owing to communications with organizations across the agriculture sector during a busy month that set a new record for lobbying activity. Total communication reports filed last month reached 2,408, exceeding the total for any previous June, based on online records dating back to […]
Vaccine distribution and economic recovery projections favour Liberals in August-October election window, say lobbyists
The iron is hot for the Liberals to try to secure a majority government by calling for an election this fall, while the Conservatives would benefit more if Canadians don’t go to the polls until 2023, according to some federal lobbyists. “I think it would be political malpractice if [the Liberals] didn’t go to the […]
Record-breaking lobbying in June as election buzz, end of sitting drive activity
Last month was a record-breaking June for lobbying activity as the historically busy period held the added interest—and pressure—of pre-election rumours and a big budget with programs still being rolled out, say consultants and former strategists. Lobbyists filed 2,398 communication reports in the federal registry in June (as of July 23), up nine per cent […]
OCL staff eye summer reprieve, as lobbying activity continues to reach new heights
Federal Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger is wondering how much reprieve her staff will get over the summer, considering the precedent set by the record-breaking lobbying activity from that season during the pandemic last year. “The numbers were much higher [in 2020] than when you compare to the previous summers,” said Ms. Bélanger. “In other words, […]
Vaping group tops April outreach in record-breaking month for lobbying
Health Canada’s regulatory plan proposing to restrict flavoured vaping products that appeal to youth, released last month, helped make it the busiest April on record for lobbying. The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) reached out en masse to MPs, filing 258 communication reports as executive director Darryl Tempest attempted to secure one-on-one meetings with MPs to […]
