Number of MPs taking sponsored travel drops in first half of 2024 after rule changes, foreign interference fears
As of last week, 12 MPs had disclosed 13 sponsored trips that took place between Jan. 1 and June 30, in contrast to 46 such reports during the first half of 2023.
Transition to updated lobbyists’ code raised steady questions, but that’s a positive, says lobbying commissioner
July 1 marked the one-year anniversary of the current Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, which introduced rule changes regarding sponsored travel and gifts.
Liberal leadership and policy choices post-byelection loss will shape advocacy strategies leading up to 2025 election, say lobbyists
Regardless of the prime minister’s leadership decision, the Liberals will now be ‘hyper-focused on short-term gains’ to quickly win back voters, says former party staffer Muhammad Ali.
The power of non-partisanship in business advocacy
Associations, businesses, and lobbyists are far less effective if they limit themselves to talking to only one party.
Economic development advocacy leads in May, besting environment talks for first month in 2024
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited communicated last month about mining in the Arctic and the company’s Hope Bay project.
‘Loose’ nominations need tightening to combat foreign interference, say political players
While NSICOP’s report isn’t the first to spotlight weak nomination rules, NDP MP Alistair MacGregor says he is confident Bill C-70 will provide the tools to ‘counter the threat’. The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ redacted report examined intelligence on foreign state meddling in Canada’s democratic processes over the past six years. It is explosive.
Civil society groups argue ‘mad dash’ leaves no time for proper study of foreign influence registry bill, but Fadden says expediency is in Canada’s national interest
The Senate’s National Security Committee began its pre-study on Bill C-70, the Countering Foreign Interference Act, with witnesses appearing on June 10, June 12, and June 13.
Federal ethics commissioner to take another look at employment minister for possible ethics concerns
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault responded to questions from the House Ethics Committee last week regarding his business affairs and connections to a lobbyist.
Lobbying can play a positive role in Canadian governance
Not relying on the expertise of people who genuinely understand how government works would be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Foreign interference registry should include more explicit contact with leadership candidates and nominations, says Democracy Watch
With misinformation and disinformation tied to foreign interference under the spotlight, a government think tank named “people cannot tell what is true and what is not” as the most likely of 35 potential future ‘disruptions’ for which Canada needs to be prepared.
