Trans Mountain, capital flight and bank law put Finance Minister Bill Morneau atop the May lobbying list
Finance Minister Bill Morneau was the most lobbied cabinet minister in May, and lobbyists say his move up the list may have something to do with the government’s decision to buy the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Lobbyists communicated with designated public office holders 2,538 times in May. Mr. Morneau (Toronto Centre, Ont) was lobbied 22 times in […]
‘Extraordinary’ Canada-U.S. trade spat brings lobbyists ‘out of the woodwork’
The growing trade war between Canada and the United States prompted almost three-dozen new filings in the federal lobbyist registry over the last two months as Canada plotted its response to U.S.-imposed steel and aluminum tariffs. Even with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicking in July 1, lobbyists are predicting the uptick will continue in Ottawa as […]
Natural Resources Minister Carr promotes new comms director
Amid a string of recent ministerial communications staff changes, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr has promoted his press secretary, Alexandre Deslongchamps, to take over as director of communications in his office. Until recently, Laurel Munroe had been communications director to Mr. Carr since February 2016; she’s now left the minister’s office. Ms. Munroe had been […]
GRIC exec stay on to see through review of Lobbying Act
The Government Relations Institute of Canada has extended its executive team’s terms by one year to focus on the upcoming Lobbying Act review. The ongoing executive, approved on June 28, are Global Public Affairs’ Philip Cartwright as president, Shaw Communication’s Alayne Crawford as vice-president, Canadian Automobile Association’s Jason Kerr as treasurer, and Earnscliffe’s Mary Anne […]
Fewer expected at U.S. ambassador’s Fourth of July party, amid trade tussle
The United States ambassador’s annual Fourth of July party is sure to take place next week in a much more subdued atmosphere than past years, as a looming trade war between the two countries settles in. As Canada prepares to slap tariffs on $16.6-billion worth of U.S. goods in retaliation for U.S. steel and aluminum […]
Brand control, ‘beefed-up’ war rooms more important in era of digital campaigns
Campaign war rooms are more important than ever, turning into “content shops” churning out material with the potential to go viral as the fight for attention turns away from conventional approaches to get the message out, say campaign veterans and experts. But even though incoming Progressive Conservative Ontario Premier Doug Ford shot to power earlier this […]
‘You can’t criticize people for evolving,’ says ex-MP Oliver as politicos get in on ground floor of cannabis boom
As Canada gets closer to the Oct. 17 legalization date, former politicians investing in and leading cannabis companies say they were drawn to a dynamic, fast-paced industry where their political expertise helped make sense of the highly regulated environment. And for some, their involvement represents a public about-face to their stance on the drug while holding office. […]
Last call: Parliamentary Restaurant reopens in September, closes at end of December for 10 years
If you were thinking the Centre Block was closing this month for 10 years and just had to get in that one last lunch or dinner, you’re in luck. The historic sixth-floor Parliamentary Restaurant with the killer west view of the mighty Ottawa River is closed for the summer, but will reopen in September until December […]
This just in: lobbying czar Bélanger tables her first annual lobbying report
Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger tabled her first annual lobbying report on June 7, making a bid for the government to provide more money for office technology upgrades. Ms. Bélanger’s report for 2017-18 says an increase in funds is “required to ensure the [lobbyists’ registry] remains current and up to date with rapidly evolving IT standards.” The […]
Parliament must pass CPTPP before summer recess
Legislation to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is now in Parliament. Canada has a chance to demonstrate much-needed leadership and co-operation on trade with like-minded global partners. It is imperative for Parliament to pass this legislation before its summer recess. This agreement will unlock valuable trade opportunities all while enhancing prospects for the […]
