News release

Lobbyist Legislation Protects Funding

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

New legislation introduced today, Dec. 5, will ensure public sector organizations cannot use their funds to pay external lobbyists.

"We understand Nova Scotians are concerned about how public sector organizations spend their money," said John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "This new act will increase accountability and ensure limited funds don't go to external lobbyists."

Under the Public Sector Lobbyists Act, organizations such as school boards, housing and health authorities can still lobby government directly through employees and officers.

"Lobbying is a legitimate democratic activity," Mr. MacDonell said. "We're being proactive so organizations and people involved in lobbying can focus their efforts appropriately."

Nova Scotia was one of the first provinces to regulate lobbyists and increase transparency with the Registry of Lobbyists.