Lobbyists’ Legislation Brought Back

Legislation that will require lobbyists to publicly register their activities was brought forward today by Justice Minister Michael Baker. The bill is intended to ensure that those who are paid to lobby government or civil service members do so in an open and transparent manner.

“We believe in accountability,” said Mr. Baker. “This is another indication of our commitment to openness in government.”

The legislation requires lobbyists to register with a registrar of lobbyists.

A consultant lobbyist is defined as an individual who is paid to lobby on behalf of a client. An in-house lobbyist is defined as an employee who is paid to lobby on behalf of his or her employer.

Within 10 days of becoming engaged in the lobbying process, a consultant lobbyist must provide their own name and address and that of the client or firm (or any of its subsidiaries) for whom they are working or by whom they are employed. As well, the name and address of any organization that contributed $750 (or more) in the previous fiscal year toward the lobbyist’s activities on behalf of the client must be included.

An in-house lobbyist has two months to register and will be required to provide their own name and address and that of their employer and the name and address of any organization which may have contributed $750 (or more) toward the in-house lobbyist’s activities. They must also indicate whether their employer is funded by government.

Lobbyists must provide a description of the issue for which they are lobbying, the communication techniques to be used and whether they expect to lobby members of the legislative assembly or their staff. The relevant legislative proposal, policy or program must also be identified. They must also outline whether they are being paid on a contingency basis.

If the registrar requires additional information, the lobbyist will have 30 days to supply it. As well, notice must be given to the registrar within 30 days of the completion of an undertaking or the completion of the contract.

In-house lobbyists will be required to follow similar procedures.

This information will be made available to the public. A lobbyist in violation of the act may be fined up to $25,000.