The Lobbyists' Code of Conduct
The Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct sets out the principles and rules of ethical behaviour expected from individuals who must be listed in a registration as required by the Lobbying Act.
The Code is a non-statutory tool that complements the Lobbying Act’s registration requirements and serves to reinforce transparent and ethical lobbying practices.
The Commissioner of Lobbying has the authority to administer and enforce the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct. Breaches of the Code may result in a report to Parliament.
Consultation
When developing or amending the Code, the Commissioner of Lobbying consults with interested stakeholders.
The Office is consulting on future changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct. From November 2 to December 11, 2020, stakeholders were invited to share their views and perspectives on the standards of behaviour that lobbyists must follow in their lobbying of federal public office holders.
The next phase of the consultation will seek stakeholder input on an updated version of the Code developed by the Commissioner of Lobbying.
Key events
2020
November 2: A consultation on future amendments to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct is launched.
2015
December 1: A new version of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into effect, following extensive stakeholder consultation. It replaced the 1997 version.
2013
September 24: A consultation on whether the Code should be amended is launched.
2008
July 2: The period during which possible violations or breaches under the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct may be investigated and prosecution may be initiated is increased from two to ten years.
1997
March 1: The first Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into force after extensive consultations and a review by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. The Ethics Counsellor was responsible for upholding the Code.
1996
January 31: The development of a code of conduct for lobbyists is mandated with the coming into force of amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act.
Related information
Report a problem on this page
- Date modified: