News release

Minister Introduces Amendments to Lobbyists' Registration Act

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

More organizations and companies across Nova Scotia will be required to register as lobbyists because of new amendments introduced today, Nov. 30, to the Lobbyists' Registration Act.

"Through these amendments, we are taking steps to improve access to information on lobbying by making it more open and transparent," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex.

Today's proposed amendments would require organizations or groups that encourage certain members of the public and special interest groups to lobby public office holders, to register.

A consultant may be paid based on the success of their lobbying efforts. The amendments introduced today would ban such contingency fees.

"Lobbying government is part of the democratic process," said Ms. Jennex. "But the public also has the right to access information about organizations and individuals lobbying the government and trying to influence government decision-making."

Nova Scotia was one of the first provinces to regulate lobbyists and create an online lobbyist registry.