Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada

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History of the lobbying regime in Canada

2023

Third edition of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into force.
– July 1

A new version of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct is published in the Canada Gazette.
– May 27

2022

An updated draft of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct, along with a thorough rationale, is referred to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI).
– Nov. 15

2021

Stakeholders are invited to comment on draft changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct through a consultation.
– Dec. 15

Commissioner Bélanger shares 11 preliminary recommendations to improve the Lobbying Act and Canada’s lobbying regime.
– Feb. 23

2020

A consultation on future amendments to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct is launched.
– Nov. 2

2017

Nancy Bélanger becomes Commissioner of Lobbying.
– Dec. 30

2015

A 2nd edition of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into effect, following extensive stakeholder consultation.
– Dec. 1

2013

A consultation on whether the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct should be amended is launched.
– Sept. 24

2012

The government tables its response to the Statutory Review of the Lobbying Act: Its First Five Years report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics Committee's (ETHI). The government supports some of the 11 recommendations and states it will continue to study others further.
– Sept. 17

2010

The Designated Public Office Holder Regulations are amended. The definition of designated public office holder is expanded, bringing to 14 the number classes of positions, incl. all Members of Parliament and Senators.
– Sept. 20

2009

Karen E. Shepherd is appointed as Canada's first Commissioner of Lobbying.
– June 30

2008

The Lobbying Act and associated regulations come into force.
– July 2

Notable changes

Notable changes

  • The position of Commissioner of Lobbying, an independent Agent of Parliament, is created with expanded investigative powers and an education mandate. Registrar of Lobbyists is repealed.
  • Designated public office holders (DPOH) are defined in the Lobbying Act as Ministers of the Crown or Ministers of State and any person employed in their offices who are appointed under subsection 128(1) of the Public Service Employment Act; public office holders, who occupy senior executive positions, whether by the title of deputy minister, chief executive officer or by some other title, or associate deputy ministers, assistant deputy ministers, or occupy a position of comparable rank. A further 11 positions were designated by regulation.
  • A five-year restriction on lobbying is imposed on all former DPOHs and designated former members of prime ministerial transition teams.
  • Lobbyists are required to disclose certain details about their "oral and arranged" communications with DPOHs. DPOHs, are required to confirm to the accuracy of the information submitted by lobbyists.
  • Payments or other benefits that are contingent on the outcome of any consultant lobbyist's activity are banned.
  • Court-imposed fines for breaching the Lobbying Act are increased to a maximum of $200,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to two years, or both.
  • The Commissioner is given the authority to prohibit individuals convicted of offences under the Act from conducting lobbying activities for a period of up to two years.

2006

Lobbyists Registration Act is renamed Lobbying Act when the Federal Accountability Act receives Royal Assent.
– Dec. 12

The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists is transferred to the portfolio of the President of the Treasury Board as an independent entity.
– Feb. 6

2005

The Regulations Amending the Lobbyists Registration Act and the Act to amend the Lobbyists Registration Act, come into force.
– June 20

Notable changes

Notable changes

  • The definition of lobbying is updated.
  • That a person making simple enquiries or requests for information does not have to register as a lobbyist is clarified.
  • Registration is now required if a public office holder initiates contact with a lobbyist.
  • All categories of lobbyists are required to update or renew their filings every six months.
  • Former public office holders engaged in lobbying are required to disclose information on previous positions held within the federal government.
  • The registration requirements for both categories of in-house (organizations and corporations) lobbyists are aligned - the most senior officer that is paid is accountable for registering all employees who lobby.
  • Registrar is required to notify the police if, during an investigation, there ere reasonable grounds to believe that a criminal offence has been committed under the Lobbying Act.

2004

Bill C-4 is introduced in January and comes into effect. It changes the reporting structure under the Lobbyists Registration Act so that the Registrar reports to Parliament directly through the Registrar General of Canada (Minister of Industry) and assumes all responsibilities under the Lobbying Act. The position of Ethics Counsellor is eliminated. The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists becomes an administrative unit within Industry Canada.
– May 17

2003

Bill C-15, An Act to Amend the Lobbyist Registration Act receives Royal Assent (only comes into force in 2005).
– June 11

2002

Bill C-15, An Act to Amend the Lobbyists Registration Act, is introduced in the House of Commons.
– Oct. 23

1997

After extensive consultations, including a review by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC), the first Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into force.
– March 1

1996

Amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act come into force, mandating the Ethics Counsellor to develop a code of conduct for lobbyists.
– Jan. 31

1995

An Act to Amend the Lobbyists Registration Act and to make related amendments to other Acts receives Royal Assent.
– June 15

1994

Bill C-43, An Act to Amend the Lobbyists Registration Act and to make related amendments to other Acts is introduced in the House of Commons, proposing increased disclose of information about lobbyists and their lobbying activities and to mandate the development of a code of conduct for lobbyists.
– June 16

1989

Lobbyists Registration Act comes into force, setting basic requirements for the registration of paid lobbyists.
– Sept. 30

1988

Bill C-82 Lobbyists Registration Act receives Royal Assent.
– Sept.

1987

Government tables Bill C-82 to enact the Lobbying Registration Act.
– June

House of Commons Standing Committee on Elections, Privileges, and Procedure reports its endorsement of registration for paid lobbyists.
– Jan.

1986

Discussion paper Lobbying and the registration of paid lobbyists is referred to the Standing Committee on Elections, Privileges, and Procedures which begins its study.

1985

Government announces its intent to establish a registration system for lobbyists. Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada publishes a discussion paper titled Lobbying and the registration of paid lobbyists, which explores options for a lobbying regime.
– Sept. 9

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