Archived - Archived information - Former designated public office holder found in breach of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 15, 2012 — The Commissioner of Lobbying, Karen E. Shepherd, tabled a Report on Investigation today in both Houses of Parliament on the activities of Keith Beardsley.

The Commissioner concluded that Mr. Beardsley was in breach of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct. She determined that Mr. Beardsley engaged in registrable lobbying activities while subject to the five-year prohibition on lobbying that applies to former designated public office holders.

"Mr. Beardsley was prohibited from engaging in lobbying activity defined by the Lobbying Act," the Commissioner stated. "I found that, for payment and on behalf of a client, he attempted to arrange a meeting with a public office holder, which is an activity that requires registration by consultant lobbyists. As he was prohibited from engaging in registrable lobbying activities, I concluded that he breached the Principle of Professionalism of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct."

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.

Please consult the report for further details.

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For more information, contact:

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