Find a Lobbyist from our directory...
SEARCH
Help

Thought Leadership

Lobbying Registration Act (Canada)

In 1989, the government of Canada enacted a law called the Lobbying Registration Act. The goal was to promote transparency and create clarity in the process of policy making. But the main objective always was to make lobby groups ‘register’ on a national registry of lobbyists. Later, in 1989, the same act was modified so that lobbyists would be required to provide detailed information while registering. However, the Federal Lobbying Registration Act underwent another amendment through Bill C-15 in 2003 to clarify any irregularities which existed in the previous Bill. It came into force in 2005. 

Lobbyists’ Registration in Canada’s Provinces
Five of Canada’s ten provinces have gone the Canadian Federal Government’s way and enacted lobbying legislation. They are: Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia (BC) and most recently Newfoundland.  

In the case of Nova Scotia, their Lobbyist Registration Act , was passed in 2001. Quebec passed its Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Act in 2002. Ontario, which was the first province to pursue lobbying legislation after the Federal government, established the Lobbyist legislation Act in 1998. And British Columbia pursued its Lobbying Registration Act in 2001. The most recent example is that of Newfoundland that implemented its lobbying legislation in 2005. 

The Foremost Aim of the Legislation
The Canadian legislation’s principle focus is to make lobbyists register on the international registry. Thus, the legislation does not look to monitor lobbying activities in the state. Nor does it obligate politicians to make records of their contacts.  Nor does it aim to make lobbyists disclose financial records. But, financial records of political campaigns are mandatorily reported in accordance with the Canadian Elections Act. 

The legislation came into existence based on the principle that lobbying is a legitimate political activity. So, the registry ensures that there is transparency, openness and fair-play in the process. It benefits not only the politicians and lobbyists but also the citizens. If all three parties are aware about who is lobbying whom then it allows a better idea of who is trying to influence policy.  For example, the citizens benefits as they know the intentions of the private interest groups. Lobbyists are aware of their competition. And politicians can be seen in good light as the transparency and openness in lobbying proves that politicians are open to suggestions to improve legislation. 

The composition of Canada as a country is quite different from others because Canada consists of provinces and territories. And the application of lobbying laws is distinctive in each state. That is, there is no standardization.

Article categories