Lobbying Commissioner releases 2018-19 Annual Report

June 18, 2019 – Ottawa, ON

Nancy Bélanger, Commissioner of lobbying tabled her 2018-19 Annual Report today in Parliament.

The report highlights the Office's activities and achievements. It also offers a look at the priorities for the year ahead.

This annual report marks the first full fiscal year in office for Commissioner Bélanger.

The Commissioner will be available for media interviews on June 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Read the 2018-19 Annual Report:

• Annual Report 2018–19

Quotes

"In my first full year in Office, I've built relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including MPs and Senators, provincial and municipal counterparts, as well as lobbyists. Through this open and respectful dialogue, I have gained a more complete understanding of perspectives to inform my decisions."

"As we are expected to head into an election period, my Office updated its guidance on mitigating conflicts of interest related to political activities to help ensure that lobbyists are aware of their obligations. We will also continue to take steps to inform departing designated public office holders of their post-employment prohibition on lobbying."

Highlights

• In 2018-19, 6,819 lobbyists registered with the Office.
• Over 27,500 monthly communication reports (MCRs) were filed, 94% of which were filed on time.
• The top 5 subject matters listed in MCRs were: international trade; environment; health; industry; and economic development.
• The top 5 government institutions listed in MCRs were: House of Commons; Prime Minister's Office, Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Finance Canada; and the Senate.
• The OCL responded to over 8,000 calls and emails from stakeholders. The majority were related to registration requirements and the Lobbying Act and regulations.
• Two files were referred to a peace officer for investigation; one in 2018-19 and one in early 2019-20.
• An investigation report related to sponsored travel was tabled in Parliament. It was the result of 19 investigations conducted in parallel.
• The Office has updated its guidance on how to mitigate conflicts of interest related to political activities, preferential access and gifts.
• A joint webinar with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner was held in October 2018, the first activity under an MOU between the two offices on matters related to outreach and education.

Related information

• Registry Search and Statistics
• Report on Investigation – Sponsored Travel Provided by Lobbyists
• Guidance – Lobbyists' Code of Conduct (Preferential Access, Political Activities, Gifts)
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Commissioner of Lobbying and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner

Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:

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

For general enquiries, please contact:

Telephone: 613-957-2760
Email: info@lobbycanada.gc.ca