‘Pent-up interest’ leads to post-election lobbying push 54 per cent higher than first Liberal win
Lobbying activity in the first three months after the 2019 election rose 54 per cent compared to the months following the Liberals’ 2015 majority win, a notable uptick in interest some in the industry say is tied to the uncertainty of a minority Parliament and the government’s slow start. Lobbyists logged 3,014 communications with Parliamentarians […]
Black Canadian groups call on feds to address economic inequities facing community
A collective of Black Canadian groups is appealing to the prime minister to address the barriers that prevent the community from achieving economic parity with the rest of the country. The Black Political Action Committee’s meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.), Diversity Minister Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Ont.), Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen (York […]
Gatekeepers for Innovation, Finance, and Environment top lobby target lists
In 2019, the most popular target for lobbyists were cabinet policy advisers who have become fixtures as influential gatekeepers over the past three years in the departments for innovation, finance, and the environment—all key departments connected to Liberal promises and potential funding. Though politicos will often move between ministerial offices, the staff who appeared time […]
Conservative Party a ‘rudderless mess’ and there’s bad blood between its fund and national council, say some Conservatives
Some senior Conservatives are describing the party’s internal political climate as “chaotic” and a “rudderless mess,” and predict the return of Parliament this week will be a major challenge for the Tories. The divisive leadership contest is on, there’s “bad blood” between the all-powerful Conservative Fund and the party’s national council over the firing of […]
Agriculture Minister Bibeau was the most-lobbied MP in 2019
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, House Veteran Affairs Committee chair Wayne Easter, and active backbench Liberal MP Francis Drouin were 2019’s top-lobbied MPs, according to a Hill Times analysis. Ms. Bibeau (Compton-Stanstead, Que.) became the most-requested minister for lobbyists soon after she was named to the agriculture portfolio in March 2019. At the time, Canada was […]
Lobby commissioner outreach continues under strategic plan
When she was nominated and quickly confirmed as the lobbying commissioner in late 2017, Nancy Bélanger said in her first public message that her office would be “committed to increasing outreach and education activities to foster a shared understanding of the obligations stemming from the Act and the Code.” Education and outreach has been one […]
Lobbying & Ethics Policy Briefing
Scheer exit opens door for reset, say members who welcome the chance ‘to spring clean’
Outgoing Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer’s departure brings a chance for some necessary “spring cleaning,” says one Conservative Senator as party members call the pending race a chance for a party in need of a reset, rebranding, and bold centre-right ideas. The race should bring “fresh blood” and serious economic policies to a party in […]
Opposition critics, House committees to be key lobbying targets in minority Parliament, say lobbyists
Hill lobbyists are bracing for a cultural shift in the new minority Parliament, anticipating a in period in which committees and opposition critics will take on a more influential role. “The government agenda is no longer made in the axis of the PMO, or the line-department minister,” said Yaroslav Baran, principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group […]
What’s at stake for Canadian business this election
After four years of Liberal leadership, we are three days away from major change in Canada. Despite campaign rhetoric, all political leaders have been silent on international trade and foreign policy. Canada is a trading nation and most dependent on exports for our total economy. Yet, all parties are appealing to voters’ worries about significant […]
