News release

Lobbyists' Legislation Introduced

Justice

Lobbyists will soon have to register to operate in Nova Scotia.

Justice Minister Michael Baker introduced legislation today that will require lobbyists to register their activities. The bill ensures 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. "For too long, lobbyists have worked behind closed doors. It's time we changed that."

The federal and Ontario governments are the only other jurisdictions in Canada that require lobbyists to register.

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

The legislation requires lobbyists to register with a Registrar of Lobbyists. Within 10 days of engaging 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 which they are working.

Lobbyists must also provide the name and address of any organization or person that help pay for their activities. A description of the issue for which they are lobbying must be provided, as well as the communication techniques to be used and whether they expect to lobby members of the Legislative Assembly, their staff or members of the public service.

Lobbyists must also outline whether they are being paid on a contingency basis. If additional information is required by the registrar, the lobbyist has 30 days in which 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.

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