Archived - Archived information - Commissioner of Lobbying finds five lobbyists in breach of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct

For immediate release

Ottawa, November 1, 2011 — The Commissioner of Lobbying, Karen E. Shepherd, tabled four reports today in both Houses of Parliament on the activities of five lobbyists.

The Commissioner found that the five lobbyists did not register their lobbying activities. As such, she concluded that they were in breach of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct, specifically the Principle of Professionalism, Rule 2 (Accurate information) and Rule 3 (Disclosure of obligations). The lobbyists in question are:

• René Fugère and André Nollet;
• Paul Ballard;
• Mark Jiles; and
• Graham Bruce.

"These reports show that there are consequences to unregistered lobbying," said Commissioner Shepherd. "Two of these investigations were initiated before I was appointed Commissioner and I am pleased to report on the last of the investigations that were initiated by my predecessor, the former Registrar of Lobbyists."

The purpose of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct is to assure the Canadian public that lobbying is done ethically and with the highest standards, with a view to increasing public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of government decision-making.

Breaches of the Code carry no fines or jail terms. After conducting an investigation under the Code, the Commissioner is required to table a Report to Parliament to present her findings and conclusions, and the reasons for those conclusions.

For more information, contact:

Telephone: 613-952-4306
Email: media@lobbycanada.gc.ca