Renewing the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct

Updated standards for ethical and transparent lobbyingSubmitted to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics
November 2022

Contents

• Introduction
• Background
• Consultation and referral to parliamentary committee
• The renewed Code
  • Objectives
  • Application
  • Expectations
  • Rules: disclosure
  • Rules: trustworthiness
  • Rules: gifts and hospitality
  • Rules: close relationships, political work, and sense of obligation
• Next steps
• Annex A — First edition – 1997
• Annex B — Second edition – 2015
• Annex C — Third edition – 2023 (as referred to Committee)

Introduction
from the Commissioner of Lobbying

Since 1997, individuals who lobby the federal government and its officials have had to comply with the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct. Like any code of conduct, its purpose is to define ethical standards of behaviour.

As Commissioner of Lobbying, it is my duty under the Lobbying Act to maintain the Code and ensure compliance with it.

The Code has been updated once, by my predecessor in 2015. That update introduced important standards for lobbyists regarding shared relationships, political activities and gifts.

Since becoming Commissioner in 2017, my experience administering the current Code has highlighted challenges in applying the rules and providing guidance to lobbyists.

In November 2020, I initiated consultations with interested stakeholders to help inform an update of the Code.

Just over 90 stakeholders made submissions on how the Code can be improved – at times with very different perspectives.

Every viewpoint shared with me has been considered in developing the third edition of the Code. These views have helped me arrive at what I believe to be a fair and balanced code of conduct that will serve to foster the transparent and ethical lobbying of federal officials.

In updating the Code, I aimed to use plain, direct and accessible language to help guide lobbyists. I was also inspired by the values of transparency, fairness, clarity and efficiency, which I have previously relied on when making preliminary recommendations to improve the Lobbying Act.

I recognize that it is not possible to anticipate or fully address all ethical scenarios that may arise.

That said, I firmly believe that the enhancements made to the Code will serve the public interest by setting appropriate and workable ethical standards for lobbyists that support free and open access to government.

I am extremely proud of this Code and will make myself available to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics should members have any questions or wish to provide comments. Any comments will be considered before I finalize the Code and publish it in the Canada Gazette.

I wish to thank everyone who made submissions over the three rounds of consultation, the media who covered the process, and the many members of my team who supported me in renewing the Code.

Nancy Bélanger
Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada

Background

Since 1989, federal legislation has required that regulated lobbying on behalf of clients or employers be reported in the Registry of Lobbyists.

In 1996, legislative amendments to the federal lobbying regime required the creation of a code of conduct for registered lobbyists. The first Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct was established in 1997.

The Code complements the Lobbying Act’s registration requirements and fosters transparent and ethical lobbying of federal officials.

It defines standards of ethical behaviour that lobbyists must comply with. Any individual who must be identified as a lobbyist in the Registry of Lobbyists is required to comply with the Code.

The first edition of the Code took effect in March 1997 (Annex A). It had three overarching principles and eight rules that addressed transparency, confidentiality and conflicts of interest. By many accounts, it was the first of its kind in the world.

The second edition took effect in December 2015 (Annex B). Developed by the first Commissioner of Lobbying, it introduced a fourth principle – respect for democratic institutions – and reformulated many of the rules.

Both the first and second editions required separate guidance to assist lobbyists in understanding and applying the rules.

When developing the Code, the legislation requires the Commissioner to consult with stakeholders and refer it to parliamentary committee. The Code must then be published in the Canada Gazette before coming into effect.

The Commissioner must also ensure compliance with the Code. An investigation must be initiated when the Commissioner has reason to believe it is necessary to ensure compliance with the Code. After completing an investigation, a report setting out the Commissioner’s findings and conclusions is submitted to Parliament.

In accordance with the Lobbying Act, there are no penal consequences or fines when the Commissioner finds a lobbyist has not complied with the Code.

Consultation and referral to parliamentary committee

Three rounds of online consultation were held in developing the third edition of the Code. In all, just over 90 stakeholders provided submissions.

The first consultation was held in late 2020 to obtain the views and perspectives of stakeholders in relation to the 2015 Code. Comments received in 2020 and experience in administering the Code helped inform the initial draft update to the Code.

Between December 2021 and February 2022, stakeholders were invited to comment on the initial draft update. Forty-nine stakeholders either provided or supported 29 distinct submissions, which in turn informed later revisions.

A final round of consultation took place in May and June 2022 on a revised draft update prepared following the prior consultation. During this consultation, 63 stakeholders either provided or supported 8 distinct submissions.

All submissions were published on lobbycanada.gc.ca and will be archived online once the updated Code comes into effect.

The Commissioner referred the third edition of the Code (Annex C) to parliamentary committee in November 2022.

Any comments from the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics will be considered before the Commissioner finalizes the Code and publishes it in the Canada Gazette.

The renewed Code

The third edition of the Code is designed with easy-to-understand rules that work to enhance transparent and ethical lobbying while contributing to public confidence in government institutions and officials.

The updates respond to gaps in application and enforcement issues that have come to light as the Commissioner has administered the current Code (2015 edition), as well as issues raised during consultation with stakeholders.

In the renewed Code, clear and plain language is used to describe the expectations and the rules.

As well, key terms are defined in order to provide details and explain technical or legal meaning. For certain definitions, examples are offered to give a clear sense of what each term is meant to cover.

This approach allows the rules to be more focused and succinct, with the goal of making them easier to understand and apply. It eliminates the need to provide separate guidance and allows the renewed Code to serve as a comprehensive document.

The updated rules largely follow the same sequence as previous editions.

The full text of the third edition of the Code is found at Annex C.

Objectives

Earlier editions of the Code did not include an objectives section within the Code itself. When developing the third edition, it was decided that it was valuable to include clear objectives that explain the purpose and context of the Code’s expectations and rules.

The renewed Code’s primary objective is to foster transparent and ethical lobbying of federal officials.

The objectives also include a summary of the Lobbying Act’s preamble and explain that compliance with the Code:

• strengthens the ethical culture of lobbying
• avoids placing officials in real or apparent conflict of interest situations
• contributes to public confidence in the integrity of federal government institutions and decision making

Application

Previous editions of the Code have not identified who must comply with it. The Code applies only to an individual who must be identified as a lobbyist in the Registry of Lobbyists. The Commissioner identified this as an issue in preliminary recommendations for improving the Lobbying Act (February 2021).

An application section has been added to the Code, including an explanation of its scope and the implications of non-compliance.

Expectations

Previous editions of the Code contained principles designed to guide lobbyists in complying with the Code’s rules.

The 1997 edition included principles of openness, integrity and honesty and professionalism. The 2015 edition added the principle of respect for democratic institutions.

Without changing the fundamental nature of the values that underpin the principles, the third edition of the Code sets out three expectations that are intended to guide lobbyists in complying with the Code’s rules of conduct.

Transparency

The principle of openness from the previous edition corresponds to the expectation of transparency:

Ethical lobbying requires a commitment to openness. Conducting transparent lobbying ensures that officials understand the purpose of the lobbying and on whose behalf it is carried out.

Third edition

This expectation builds on the Lobbying Act’s objective that officials and the public be able to know who is lobbying the federal government and about what subject.

Respect for government institutions

The principle of respect for democratic institutions from the previous edition corresponds to the expectation of respect for government institutions:

Canada’s parliamentary democracy and its institutions serve Canadians. Understanding and respecting that officials have a duty to serve the public interest over private interests is vital to ethical lobbying. It is therefore essential that lobbyists avoid placing officials in real or apparent conflict of interest situations, including where officials could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards a lobbyist.

Third edition

This expectation recognizes that officials have a duty to put the public interest first and establishes the importance of lobbyists not acting in ways that diminish public confidence in government.

Integrity, honesty and professionalism

The principle of professionalism and the principle of integrity and honesty from the previous edition are combined into a single expectation of integrity, honesty and professionalism:

Ethical lobbying is conducted with integrity, honesty and professionalism. Being trustworthy and respectful supports informed decision making by officials and, in turn, public confidence in federal government institutions. It is therefore essential that lobbyists uphold the letter and spirit of the Lobbying Act, its regulations and this Code.

Third edition

This expectation reinforces that it is not enough for lobbyists to simply respect the technical requirements of the lobbying regime. Lobbyists must respect the ethical outcomes that the regime seeks to achieve.

Rules: disclosure

Identifying interests and the purpose of lobbying

Since 1997, lobbyists have been required to identify their client or employer and the reasons for the communication when they lobby federal officials.

The updated edition preserves this rule (rule 1 of the 2015 edition), using more direct language and making it clear that it also applies to grassroots lobbying appeals. The reformulated rule ensures that those who are lobbied know that lobbying is occurring, the interests being represented and the objective of the communication.

1.1
When you lobby – including when making grassroots appeals to persuade the public to communicate with officials – identify your client or employer and the purpose of your communication.

Third edition

Enhancing transparency and awareness of obligations

Since 1997, lobbyists have also been required to inform their clients or employers of their obligations under the Lobbying Act and the Code.

The 2015 edition frames this obligation as a duty to disclose (rules 2 and 3 of the 2015 edition), with consultant lobbyists required to inform each client of their obligations and with the registrant for an employer (the most senior paid employee) required to ensure that employees who lobby are aware of their obligations.

The third edition preserves the intent of these rules with slight adjustments.

Rule specific to consultant lobbyists

The updated rule for consultants (which corresponds to rule 3 of the 2015 edition) now recognizes that there are also obligations under the Lobbing Act’s regulations that must be respected.

It also adds that consultant lobbyists must inform their clients that the client may also have obligations under the federal lobbying regime. This was added to raise awareness in situations where, in addition to engaging a consultant lobbyist, the client’s own employees are involved in lobbying communications. It remains the client’s responsibility to ensure it is meeting its own obligations to comply with the federal lobbying regime.

1.2
When you lobby on behalf of a client, inform your client that you have, and that they may have, obligations under the Lobbying Act, its regulations and this Code.

Third edition

Rules specific to in-house lobbyists

The third edition introduces a specific rule for in-house lobbyists who lobby on behalf of their employer. It requires them to inform the registrant for the employer (the most senior paid employee) of their respective lobbying communications. This was added because employees who lobby as part of their employment generally do not themselves file information in the Registry of Lobbyists; instead, this obligation falls on the registrant. This new rule will ensure registrants are aware of all employees’ lobbying activities, which will in turn support accurate registration and reporting in the Registry of Lobbyists.

1.3

When you lobby as part of your employment, inform your employer (as represented by the registrant) about your lobbying activities in order to support accurate registration and reporting in the Registry of Lobbyists.

Third edition

A similar rule to the one above is not required for consultant lobbyists because the Lobbying Act makes every consultant lobbyist directly responsible for reporting their own lobbying activities.

The updated rule for the registrant for an employer (which corresponds to rule 4 of the 2015 edition) requires the registrant to inform employees who lobby for the employer about their obligations under the Code.

1.4
If you are the registrant for an employer, inform employees who lobby for the employer about their obligations under this Code.

Third edition

This rule applies to any registrant that must be identified as an in-house lobbyist in the Registry of Lobbyists.

Rules: trustworthiness

Acting in good faith and not misleading

The accurate information rule (rule 2 of the 2015 edition) has been adjusted to explicitly apply to all techniques used to lobby officials – including grassroots appeals to the public.

The updated rule requires lobbyists to act in good faith when they lobby.

In addition, the updated rule prevents information that has not been reasonably vetted from being used when lobbying. Taking reasonable steps to not mislead may include doing things like verifying the source and reliability of information before using it in a lobbying communication. The rule is not intended to limit the expression of views or opinions.

2.1
When lobbying – including when making grassroots appeals to persuade the public to communicate with officials – act in good faith and take reasonable steps to not mislead with any information you share.

Third edition

Sharing of information obtained from an official in confidence

The 2015 rule regarding use of information (rule 5 of the 2015 edition) requires that a lobbyist only use information received from an official in a manner consistent with the purpose for which it was shared and that a lobbyist not use or disclose any government document they should not have.

This rule has been revised to clarify that lobbyists must not use or share information obtained from an official in confidence unless consent is obtained. This is to ensure confidential information is not inadvertently or inappropriately used or shared by a lobbyist.

2.2
Do not use or share information obtained from an official in confidence, except if you have the official’s informed consent.

Third edition

Rules: gifts and hospitality

The third edition reformulates the previous rule on gifts (rule 10 of the 2015 edition) into separate rules for gifts and hospitality.

The 2015 gift rule prevents a lobbyist from providing gifts, favours, or other benefits to an official that the official is not allowed to accept. Because the question of whether an official may accept a gift is governed by ethical regimes overseen by other federal authorities, there have been challenges with administering and ensuring compliance with the rule.

Effectively, the 2015 rule requires lobbyists and the Commissioner to defer to other federal authorities to determine whether lobbyists can offer gifts or hospitality to officials.

Gifts

The new rule prevents a lobbyist from offering a gift to an official that they lobby – except under limited conditions – without reference to the various ethical regimes that apply to officials:

3
Never offer – directly or indirectly – any gift to an official that you lobby or expect to lobby, other than a low value gift that is a token of appreciation or promotional item. The combined value of tokens of appreciation and promotional items you offer to the same official within a calendar year cannot exceed the annual limit for gifts.

Third edition

The low-value limit is $40 in 2023 dollars. The annual limit for all allowed gifts is $80 in 2023 dollars.

The limits are established in the definitions section of the Code and can be adjusted by the Commissioner to reflect inflation. Additional definitions include:

• the meaning of indirectly
• the meaning of gift, with examples
• the meanings of token of appreciation and promotional item

While these definitions are new to the Code, some of the concepts are inspired by guidance related to gifts that the Commissioner issued in 2019.

Hospitality

While the 2015 edition’s gift rule does not use the word hospitality, related guidance issued by the current Commissioner as well as the first Commissioner has instructed lobbyists to apply the 2015 gift rule to hospitality.

Because the 2015 rule depends on whether an official can accept a gift under their own respective ethical regime, the guidance does not set a specific dollar value limit on hospitality but advises that such hospitality should be reasonable.

To provide clarity for lobbyists regarding food and beverage and recognizing that in some instances providing sustenance to officials while they are being lobbied is appropriate, a specific hospitality rule has been created.

Similar in nature to the new rule for gifts, it prevents a lobbyist from offering hospitality to an official that they lobby – except under limited conditions – without reference to the various ethical regimes that apply to officials:

4
Never offer – directly or indirectly – hospitality to an official that you lobby or expect to lobby, other than low-value food or beverage for consumption during an in-person meeting, lobby day, event or reception. The combined value of hospitality you offer to the same official within a calendar year cannot exceed the annual limit for hospitality.

Third edition

The low-value limit is $40 in 2023 dollars. The annual limit for all allowed hospitality is $80 in 2023 dollars.

These are the same limits as for gifts. They are established in the definitions section of the Code and can be adjusted by the Commissioner to reflect inflation. A definition of hospitality has also been included.

Purpose of the limits

The purpose of the limits on gifts and hospitality is to:

• support equitable access to government regardless of resources
• avoid creating a sense of obligation on the part of officials and prevent placing them in conflict of interest situations
• reinforce the Lobbying Act’s objective of assuring free and open access to government

The $40 low-value limit was arrived at by considering federal hospitality standards appropriate for working meetings and receptions, recent average meal costs in restaurants, and the impact of inflation on many prices over the past two years.

Exemptions

The third edition of the Code provides that a lobbyist can ask the Commissioner for exemptions to the gift and hospitality rules. These exemptions acknowledge that there may be circumstances where factors – such as regional prices, protocol, or special dietary requirements – could warrant an adjustment to the low-value and/or annual limits set for gifts and hospitality.

When not contrary to the objectives or expectations of the Code, the Commissioner may grant an exemption taking into account any circumstances that the Commissioner considers relevant.

Rules: close relationships, political work, and sense of obligation

The final three rules prevent lobbying in circumstances where an official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards a lobbyist.

Close relationships

The 2015 edition has two rules regarding preferential access in circumstances where a lobbyist shares a relationship with an official that could reasonably be seen to create a sense of obligation. The first rule prevents a lobbyist from arranging a meeting with the official for another person (rule 7 of the 2015 edition) and the second rule prevents a lobbyist from lobbying the official (rule 8 of the 2015 edition).

To clarify the requirement, the updated rule focuses on close relationships rather than preferential access:

5
Never lobby an official where the official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards you because you have a close relationship with the official.

Third edition

The two previous rules were combined into one because the Code incorporates a definition of lobbying that includes the arranging of meetings by consultant lobbyists.

The updated rule is supported with a definition of close relationship, including examples such as:

• close family relationships
• close professional relationships
• close working relationships
• close business relationships
• close financial relationships

While the definition and examples are new to the Code, some of the concepts are inspired by guidance related to close relationships that the Commissioner issued in 2019.

Political work

The 2015 edition prevents lobbyists from lobbying an official (or the staff of elected officials) if they have undertaken political activities on behalf of the official which could reasonably be seen to create a sense of obligation (rule 9 of the 2015 edition).

The new rule continues to prevent the lobbying of an official where previous political engagement could reasonably be seen to create a sense of obligation towards the lobbyist:

6
Never lobby an official or their associates where the official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards you because of political work – paid or unpaid – you have done for the benefit of the official, unless the cooling-off period has expired.

Third edition

The updated rule now uses the more precise term political work and clearly covers both paid and unpaid work.

Through related definitions, it also expands those who cannot be lobbied to include not only staff but also other related parliamentary associates, such as a minister’s parliamentary secretary.

New categories of political work and definitions

The new political work rule is supported with definitions, including:

• the meaning of political work
• the duration of the cooling-off period of either 24 or 12 months, depending on the circumstances
• the meaning of associate in relation to parliamentarians

The definition of political work explicitly excludes various forms of political participation, including attending fundraising or campaign events, personally displaying election signs, being a member of a political party, expressing personal political views and making personal political donations.

Supported by examples, political work is defined as paid or unpaid work of a political or partisan nature for a candidate, official or political party during or between election periods, including:

1. strategic, high-profile or important work for a candidate, official or political party
2. other political work
   1. involving frequent and/or extensive interaction with a candidate or official, or
   2. performed on a full-time or near-full-time basis for a candidate, official or political party

The cooling-off period is 24 months for the first category and 12 months for the second category, calculated from the day after the political work ended.

The adjusted cooling-off period of 24 or 12 months in the new rule ensures the political work rule is minimally impairing and proportionate to the Code’s objective of limiting lobbying in situations where an official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation toward a lobbyist.

The term associate is defined as the staff of any member of the Senate or House of Commons and any parliamentary secretary in performing their function of assisting a minister, as well as the staff of any such parliamentary secretary.

Taken together, these definitions work to provide a lobbyist with a clear and precise sense of how the rule applies to their circumstances.

Requests for a reduction to the cooling-off period

The third edition of the Code provides that a lobbyist can ask the Commissioner for a reduction to their cooling-off period. This acknowledges that there may be circumstances where factors – such as the importance, prominence, frequency, extent or duration of the political work performed – could warrant a reduction to the duration of a lobbyist’s cooling-off period.

When not contrary to the objectives or expectations of the Code, the Commissioner may grant a reduction taking into account any circumstances that the Commissioner considers relevant.

Sense of obligation

This rule reformulates the Code’s previous conflict of interest rule (rule 6 of the 2015 edition), which prevents a lobbyist from proposing or doing anything that could place an official in a real or apparent conflict of interest situation.

The 2015 rule requires an analysis of whether the lobbyist’s action result in a real or apparent conflict of interest on the part of the official in question. This requires the Commissioner to make findings and conclusions that implicate the conduct of officials subject to their own separate ethical regimes, which the Commissioner does not administer.

The new sense of obligation rule shifts the focus onto the conduct of the lobbyist in question, and assesses on an objective standard whether the official could have a sense of obligation towards the lobbyist:

7
Never lobby an official where the official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards you in circumstances beyond the scope of other rules.

Third edition

The updated rule is designed to address situations or circumstances beyond the scope of the Code’s other rules.

The Code defines a sense of obligation as follows:

sense of obligation
Means a feeling of owing something (or feeling beholden) to another person.

Examples may include situations where the lobbyist or the lobbyist’s client or employer:

• employed an official before they became an official
• employed or continues to employ a close family member of the official
• provided gifts or hospitality that exceeded the annual limits set in this Code to the official before they became an official

Third edition

Next steps

As required by the Lobbying Act, the Commissioner referred the third edition of the Code (Annex C) to parliamentary committee in November 2022.

Any comments received from the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics will be considered before the Commissioner finalizes the Code and publishes it in the Canada Gazette, which could impact the target dates identified below.

Publication in the Canada Gazette

The third edition of the Code will be published in the Canada Gazette – currently targeted for December 2022 – and subsequently come into force (take effect) on the date indicated in the Gazette.

Coming into force

The date when lobbyists will need to start complying with the third edition of the Code is currently targeted for January 2023.

Until the renewed Code comes into force, lobbyists will continue to be subject to and held to the standards of the 2015 edition.

Awareness and education

The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying will offer educational materials and information sessions about the renewed Code to lobbyists, registrants and other stakeholders.

This content will address the transition to the third edition of the Code and will support lobbyists in complying with the updated rules.

Annex A
First edition – 1997

Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct (1997)

Preamble

The Lobbyists' Code of Conduct is founded on four concepts stated in the Lobbying Act:

• Free and open access to government is an important matter of public interest;
• Lobbying public office holders is a legitimate activity;
• It is desirable that public office holders and the public be able to know who is engaged in lobbying activities; and,
• A system for the registration of paid lobbyists should not impede free and open access to government.

The Lobbyists' Code of Conduct is an important initiative for promoting public trust in the integrity of government decision-making. The trust that Canadians place in public office holders to make decisions in the public interest is vital to a free and democratic society.

To this end, public office holders, when they deal with the public and with lobbyists, are required to honour the standards set out for them in their own codes of conduct. For their part, lobbyists communicating with public office holders must also abide by standards of conduct, which are set out below.

Together, these codes play an important role in safeguarding the public interest in the integrity of government decision-making.

Principles

Integrity and honesty

Lobbyists should conduct with integrity and honesty all relations with public office holders, clients, employers, the public and other lobbyists.

Openness

Lobbyists should, at all times, be open and frank about their lobbying activities, while respecting confidentiality.

Professionalism

Lobbyists should observe the highest professional and ethical standards. In particular, lobbyists should conform fully with not only the letter but the spirit of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct as well as all the relevant laws, including the Lobbying Act and its regulations.

Rules

Transparency

1. Identity and purpose

Lobbyists shall, when making a representation to a public office holder, disclose the identity of the person or organization on whose behalf the representation is made, as well as the reasons for the approach.

2. Accurate information

Lobbyists shall provide information that is accurate and factual to public office holders. Moreover, lobbyists shall not knowingly mislead anyone and shall use proper care to avoid doing so inadvertently.

3. Disclosure of obligations

Lobbyists shall indicate to their client, employer or organization their obligations under the Lobbying Act, and their obligation to adhere to the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality

4. Confidential information

Lobbyists shall not divulge confidential information unless they have obtained the informed consent of their client, employer or organization, or disclosure is required by law.

5. Insider information

Lobbyists shall not use any confidential or other insider information obtained in the course of their lobbying activities to the disadvantage of their client, employer or organization.

Conflict of interest

6. Competing interests

Lobbyists shall not represent conflicting or competing interests without the informed consent of those whose interests are involved.

7. Disclosure

Consultant lobbyists shall advise public office holders that they have informed their clients of any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest, and obtained the informed consent of each client concerned before proceeding or continuing with the undertaking.

8. Improper influence

Lobbyists shall not place public office holders in a conflict of interest by proposing or undertaking any action that would constitute an improper influence on a public office holder.

Annex B
Second edition – 2015

Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct (2015)

Preamble

The Lobbying Act is based on four principles:

• Free and open access to government is an important matter of public interest;
• Lobbying public office holders is a legitimate activity;
• It is desirable that public office holders and the public be able to know who is engaged in lobbying activities; and
• A system for the registration of paid lobbyists should not impede free and open access to government.

The Lobbying Act provides the Commissioner with the authority to develop and administer a code of conduct for lobbyists. The Commissioner has done so, with these four principles in mind. The Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct is an important instrument for promoting public trust in the integrity of government decision making. The trust that Canadians place in public office holders to make decisions in the public interest is vital to a free and democratic society.

Public office holders, when they deal with the public and with lobbyists, are required to adhere to the standards set out for them in their own codes of conduct. For their part, lobbyists communicating with public office holders must also abide by standards of conduct, which are set out below.

These codes complement one another and together contribute to public confidence in the integrity of government decision-making.

Principles

Respect for democratic institutions

Lobbyists should act in a manner that demonstrates respect for democratic institutions, including the duty of public office holders to serve the public interest.

Integrity and honesty

Lobbyists should conduct with integrity and honesty all relations with public office holders.

Openness

Lobbyists should be open and frank about their lobbying activities.

Professionalism

Lobbyists should observe the highest professional and ethical standards. In particular, lobbyists should conform fully with the letter and the spirit of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct as well as with all relevant laws, including the Lobbying Act and its regulations.

Rules

Transparency

Identity and purpose

1. A lobbyist shall, when communicating with a public office holder, disclose the identity of the person, organization or corporation on whose behalf the communication is made and the nature of their relationship with that person, organization or corporation, as well as the reasons for the approach.

Accurate information

2. A lobbyist shall avoid misleading public office holders by taking all reasonable measures to provide them with information that is accurate and factual.

Duty to disclose

3. A consultant lobbyist shall inform each client of their obligations as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct.
4. The responsible officer (the most senior paid employee) of an organization or corporation shall ensure that employees who lobby on the organization’s or corporation’s behalf are informed of their obligations under the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct.

Use of information

5. A lobbyist shall use and disclose information received from a public office holder only in the manner consistent with the purpose for which it was shared. If a lobbyist obtains a government document they should not have, they shall neither use nor disclose it.

Conflict of interest

6. A lobbyist shall not propose or undertake any action that would place a public office holder in a real or apparent conflict of interest.
   In particular:

   Preferential access

   7. A lobbyist shall not arrange for another person a meeting with a public office holder when the lobbyist and public office holder share a relationship that could reasonably be seen to create a sense of obligation.
   8. A lobbyist shall not lobby a public office holder with whom they share a relationship that could reasonably be seen to create a sense of obligation.

   Political activities

   9. When a lobbyist undertakes political activities on behalf of a person which could reasonably be seen to create a sense of obligation, they may not lobby that person for a specified period if that person is or becomes a public office holder. If that person is an elected official, the lobbyist shall also not lobby staff in their office(s).

   Gifts

   10. To avoid the creation of a sense of obligation, a lobbyist shall not provide or promise a gift, favour, or other benefit to a public office holder, whom they are lobbying or will lobby, which the public office holder is not allowed to accept.

Annex C
Third edition – 2023 (as referred to Committee)

Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct (third edition)

Standards for transparent and ethical lobbying

Objectives

The objective of this Code is to foster transparent and ethical lobbying of federal officials.

This Code is required by and complements the Lobbying Act, which recognizes that free and open access to government is in the public interest, that transparent and ethical lobbying is a legitimate activity, that officials and the public should be able to know who is carrying out lobbying activities, and that lobbying registration should not impede access to government.

By complying with the rules of this Code, lobbyists:

• strengthen the ethical culture of lobbying
• avoid placing officials in real or apparent conflict of interest situations
• contribute to public confidence in the integrity of federal government institutions and decision making

Application

An individual must comply with this Code if the Lobbying Act requires them to do so. In this Code, such individuals are referred to as lobbyists.

This code of conduct was published in the Canada Gazette and came into force on [Month D, YYYY].

Scope

This Code applies to lobbying activities and the interactions lobbyists have with officials that they lobby or expect to lobby.

Compliance

Non-compliance with any rule in this Code may result in an investigation by the Commissioner of Lobbying. This can lead to a public investigation report to Parliament.

Expectations

These expectations are intended to guide lobbyists in complying with the rules in this Code.

Transparency

Ethical lobbying requires a commitment to openness. Conducting transparent lobbying ensures that officials understand the purpose of the lobbying and on whose behalf it is carried out.

Respect for government institutions

Canada’s parliamentary democracy and its institutions serve Canadians. Understanding and respecting that officials have a duty to serve the public interest over private interests is vital to ethical lobbying. It is therefore essential that lobbyists avoid placing officials in real or apparent conflict of interest situations, including where officials could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards a lobbyist.

Integrity, honesty and professionalism

Ethical lobbying is conducted with integrity, honesty and professionalism. Being trustworthy and respectful supports informed decision making by officials and, in turn, public confidence in federal government institutions. It is therefore essential that lobbyists uphold the letter and spirit of the Lobbying Act, its regulations and this Code.

Rules

If the Lobbying Act requires you to comply with this Code, you must follow these rules:

Disclosure

1. When you lobby – including when making grassroots appeals to persuade the public to communicate with officials – identify your client or employer and the purpose of your communication.
2. When you lobby on behalf of a client, inform your client that you have, and that they may have, obligations under the Lobbying Act, its regulations and this Code.
3. When you lobby as part of your employment, inform your employer (as represented by the registrant) about your lobbying activities in order to support accurate registration and reporting in the Registry of Lobbyists.
4. If you are the registrant for an employer, inform employees who lobby for the employer about their obligations under this Code.

Trustworthiness

1. When lobbying – including when making grassroots appeals to persuade the public to communicate with officials – act in good faith and take reasonable steps to not mislead with any information you share.
2. Do not use or share information obtained from an official in confidence, except if you have the official’s informed consent.

Gifts

3. Never offer – directly or indirectly – any gift to an official that you lobby or expect to lobby, other than a low value gift that is a token of appreciation or promotional item. The combined value of tokens of appreciation and promotional items you offer to the same official within a calendar year cannot exceed the annual limit for gifts.
   Exemption:
   When not contrary to the objectives or expectations of this Code, the Commissioner may grant an exemption – and may adjust the low-value and/or annual limit amounts – taking into account any circumstances that the Commissioner considers relevant, including:
   
   • by how much the gift exceeds the low-value limit
   • local market prices
   • if the gift is a customary expression of courtesy or protocol
   • the combined value of allowed gifts that have and will be offered to the official within the same calendar year

Hospitality

4. Never offer – directly or indirectly – hospitality to an official that you lobby or expect to lobby, other than low-value food or beverage for consumption during an in-person meeting, lobby day, event or reception. The combined value of hospitality you offer to the same official within a calendar year cannot exceed the annual limit for hospitality.
   Exemption:
   When not contrary to the objectives or expectations of this Code, the Commissioner may grant an exemption – and may adjust the low-value and/or annual limit amounts – taking into account any circumstances that the Commissioner considers relevant, including:
   
   • by how much the hospitality exceeds the low-value limit
   • local market prices
   • dietary requirements or restrictions
   • the combined value of allowed hospitality that has and will be offered to the official within the same calendar year

Close relationships

5. Never lobby an official where the official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards you because you have a close relationship with the official.

Political work

6. Never lobby an official or their associates where the official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards you because of political work – paid or unpaid – you have done for the benefit of the official, unless the cooling-off period has expired.
   Reduction to the cooling-off period:
   When not contrary to the objectives or expectations of this Code, the Commissioner may reduce the cooling off period, taking into account any circumstances that the Commissioner considers relevant, including:
   • the importance or prominence of the political work
   • the frequency, extent or duration of the political work

Sense of obligation

7. Never lobby an official where the official could reasonably be seen to have a sense of obligation towards you in circumstances beyond the scope of other rules.

Appendix: Definitions

Terms referred to in the rules are defined as follows:

General

client

Any person, group, corporation or organization that pays or promises to pay money or anything of value to a consultant lobbyist to lobby.

employer

A corporation or organization that employs one or more individuals who lobby on its behalf (i.e., in-house lobbyists).

grassroots appeal

A communication technique by which lobbying described in paragraphs 5(1)(a) and 7(1)(a) of the Lobbying Act can be conducted. This technique is defined in paragraph 5(2)(j) and referred to in paragraph 7(3)(k).

lobby or lobbying

Communicating as described in paragraphs 5(1)(a) or 7(1)(a) of the Lobbying Act or arranging a meeting as described in paragraph 5(1)(b).

official

Any 'public office holder' as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Lobbying Act.

registrant for an employer

The employee holding the most senior paid office of a corporation or organization who is responsible for registering lobbying carried out by employees – defined in subsection 7(6) of the Lobbying Act as the ‘officer responsible for filing returns’.

Gifts and hospitality

annual limit

The maximum combined value of low-value gifts or low-value hospitality that can be offered to the same official within a calendar year.

The annual limit for all allowed gifts, combined, is set at $80 in 2023 dollars*, before taxes.

The annual limit for all allowed hospitality, combined, is set at $80 in 2023 dollars*, before taxes.

indirectly

Where:

• a person or entity offers a gift or hospitality to an official at the lobbyist's request
• the lobbyist offers a gift or hospitality to an official on behalf of another person or entity

gift

Anything of value offered for free, without charge, at a reduced rate, or at less than market value, with no obligation to repay. The term ‘gift’ does not include hospitality as defined in this Code.

Examples:

• door prize
• entertainment activity
• food or beverage
• gift certificate, voucher
• money, loan, credit
• parking
• product
• promotional item
• property or use of property
• service
• ticket, pass or access to an event
• token of appreciation
• travel, excursion, transportation

hospitality

Food or beverage offered for consumption during an in-person meeting, lobby day, event or reception.

low-value

Means the market price before taxes – without discount for anything that has been donated or subsidized – of a gift or of an instance of hospitality that can be offered to an official.

Low-value for a permitted gift is set at $40 in 2023 dollars*, before taxes.

Low-value for a permitted instance of hospitality is set at $40 in 2023 dollars*, before taxes, gratuities and catering, and rental or service charges. This amount is determined by dividing the total cost of food and beverage by the number of individuals reasonably expected to attend the meeting, lobby day, event or reception.

Hospitality costs must reflect standard rates and cannot be allocated to venue rental fees, facility fees, catering or service charges, event management expenses, or similar items, as a way to avoid exceeding the low-value amount.

promotional item

A gift that typically has corporate branding or messaging used in the marketing of a product, service or entity.

token of appreciation

A gift offered as an expression of gratitude to an official for serving in an official capacity such as a speaker, presenter, panelist, moderator or for performing a ceremonial role at an event or function.

* Note about the low-value and annual limit amounts:

On a yearly basis, the Commissioner can take inflation into account in adjusting the low-value and annual limit amounts set below. In doing so, the amounts will be calculated relative to 2023 prices based on the consumer price index data maintained by Statistics Canada.

Close relationships

close relationship

A close bond – based on personal affection, on mutual trust or loyalty, or on professional, business or financial interdependence – that extends beyond simply being acquainted.

Examples:

• close family relationships, such as close family by blood, birth, marriage, adoption, or common law, any relative or other person permanently residing in the same household
• close personal relationships, such as close or best friends, intimate or romantic partners
  (excludes people known only through broad social circles or networks)
• close working relationships, such as prominent or longstanding professional relationship developed by working closely together
  (working for the same entity, employer or client does not, on its own, qualify as having a close relationship; close working relationships typically do not include strictly professional relationships between individuals not connected to the same entity, employer or client)
• close business relationships, such as owning or closely collaborating in a business or in a consortium of businesses
• close financial relationships, such as sharing ownership in property, co-managing shared investments

Political work

associate

In relation to ministers (including ministers of state), includes:

• their staff
• any parliamentary secretary in performing their function of assisting that minister, as well as the staff of any such parliamentary secretary

In relation to members of the House of Commons or the Senate:

• includes their staff but excludes their fellow parliamentarians

cooling-off period

When political work – paid or unpaid – has been done for the benefit of an official, the amount of time that must pass before lobbying that official or their associates. This period is calculated from the day after the political work ended.

There is a 24-month cooling-off period for having done strategic, high-profile or important political work for a candidate, official or political party.

There is a 12-month cooling-off period for other political work either involving frequent and/or extensive interaction with a candidate or official, or performed on a full-time or near-full-time basis for a candidate, official or political party.

See definition of ‘political work’ for examples.

political work

Paid or unpaid work of a political or partisan nature for a candidate, official or political party during or between election periods.

Political work includes:

1. strategic, high-profile or important work for a candidate, official or political party
   Examples:
   • serving as a designated spokesperson
   • serving as a campaign manager
   • serving in a senior position in a leadership or election campaign
   • serving on the executive of an electoral district association
   • preparing a candidate or official for an appearance, including speeches and debates
   • organizing political fundraising
   • organizing political or campaign events
   • directing or coordinating political research or data analysis
   • developing or coordinating political messaging or advertising
   Political work of this nature requires a cooling-off period of 24 months.
2. other political work
   1. involving frequent and/or extensive interaction with a candidate or official, or
   2. performed on a full-time or near-full-time basis for a candidate, official or political party
   Examples:
   • canvassing
   • soliciting or gathering donations
   • distributing or disseminating campaign materials
   • coordinating campaign office logistics
   • performing political research or data analytics tasks
   • carrying out political or campaign event logistics

   Political work of this nature requires a cooling-off period of 12 months.

Political work does not include other forms of political participation, such as:

• attending a fundraising or campaign event
• personally displaying election signs or posting digital campaign material during an election period
• being a member of a political party at any level of government in Canada
• expressing political opinions strictly in an individual capacity or in a private setting
• making a personal political donation in accordance with the electoral legislative regime

Sense of obligation

sense of obligation

Means a feeling of owing something (or feeling beholden) to another person.

Examples may include situations where the lobbyist or the lobbyist’s client or employer:

• employed an official before they became an official
• employed or continues to employ a close family member of the official
• provided gifts or hospitality that exceeded the annual limits set in this Code to the official before they became an official