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This section of the website contains recent news and publications by the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists.
Recent news includes items published to “What's New”.
Media room offers links to popular topics, RSS details, and information for media inquiries.
Influencing BC contains links to the ORL's online journal.
News contains press releases and statements from the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists.
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Recent News
Aug 4, 2020
In BC, the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) is enforced by the Registrar of Lobbyists. Lobbyists are paid, on behalf of their employers or clients, to communicate with public office holders in an attempt to influence government decisions.
Jul 20, 2020
Jul 1, 2020
Jun 1, 2020
This guide outlines steps that the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL)1 takes under the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) in conducting investigations of apparent non-compliance with the LTA and the Lobbyists Transparency Regulation.
May 27, 2020
VICTORIA – Today, British Columbia`s Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) comes into force as the remaining sections of the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2018, take effect. The amendments, passed back in November 2018, incorporate recommendations made by the Registrar of Lobbyists. “These amendments, will result in greater transparency for lobbyists and the public about activities that influence decisions made by government,” said Registrar Michael McEvoy.
May 6, 2020
VICTORIA—British Columbia`s Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) comes into force May 4, 2020,
as the remaining sections of the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2018 take effect. The
new legislation incorporates recommendations made by the Registrar of Lobbyists to increase
transparency in lobbying. The changes will be supported by a new Lobbyists Registry.
May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020
This is a template consultant lobbyists or their clients can customize to meet their own circumstances. The information in the questionnaire will become public information once the information is entered in a Registration Return submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for BC. Email addresses will not be publicly available unless noted.
Apr 30, 2020
This is a document to assist organizations with tracking lobbying activities. Use of this form to collect information is not mandatory.
Apr 30, 2020
This is a template an organization can customize to meet its own circumstances. Use of this form to collect information is not mandatory; however, a tool such as this may form part of the standard of due diligence expected of filers.
Apr 30, 2020
This is a document to assist in-house lobbyists with tracking lobbying activities. Use of this form to collect information is not mandatory.
Apr 30, 2020
This morning I will share some of our offices’ accomplishments in relation to the goals set out in our Service Plan and conclude with a financial update. First, however, I would like to provide you with some insight on how COVID-19 has affected our offices’ operations and highlight some of the issues we have engaged relating to the pandemic.
Apr 29, 2020
This guide is specifically to help organizations file their Registration Returns. For information on re‐activating an account from the previous Lobbyists Registry, please see the user guide on Re‐activating an Account and Registration from the Previous Lobbyists Registry.
Apr 29, 2020
This guide is specifically to help you create and manage Registration Returns. For assistance on Monthly Returns, including Lobbying Activity Reports, please see the user guide on Monthly Reports and Lobbying Activity Reports.
Apr 29, 2020
This guide is specifically to help you create and manage Registration Returns. For assistance on Monthly Returns, including Lobbying Activity Reports, please see the user guide on Monthly Reports and Lobbying Activity Reports.
Apr 29, 2020
This guide is specifically to help you create and manage Monthly Returns and Lobbying Activity Reports. For assistance on creating or managing your Registration Return, see the user guides on Consultant Lobbyist Registration Returns and Organization Registration Returns.
Apr 29, 2020
This is a guide for the following individuals with an existing account in the new Lobbyists Registry: Each consultant lobbyist who had a registration accepted in the BC Lobbyists Registry between 2010 and May 4, 2020; and the most recent designated filer for an organization that had a registration accepted in the BC Lobbyists Registry between 2010 and May 4, 2020.
Apr 29, 2020
A reference guide for consultant lobbyists.
Apr 29, 2020
A reference guide for representatives.
Apr 29, 2020
May 4, 2020, will mark the coming into force of the Lobbyists Transparency Act, or LTA, replacing the Lobbyists Registration Act. Besides the name change, the LTA will also bring into effect the remaining sections of the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2018. We continue our work to ensure the new online Lobbyists Registry will be ready to launch on May 4, 2020.
Apr 22, 2020
This guidance document explains the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) requirements for lobbyists in relation to political contributions, sponsorship contributions, and recall contributions.
To promote transparency, the LTA requires that lobbyists must declare political, sponsorship, and recall contributions made by themselves, and by a small group of clients, in specified circumstances.
Apr 22, 2020
This guidance document explains the reporting requirements set out in the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) that require lobbyists to declare information about third parties that may be influencing the lobbying activities of a client or organization.
Apr 22, 2020
Lobbyists Registry screenshots of a Lobbying Activity Report for consultant lobbyists.
Apr 3, 2020
Lobbyists Registry screenshots of a Lobbying Activity Report for organizations.
Apr 3, 2020
Apr 1, 2020
Given the growing concerns around COVID-19, the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL) in collaboration with the Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC) has cancelled the April in-person public information sessions about the upcoming changes to lobbying legislation in BC. Both the April 2, 2020, session in Vancouver and the April 23, 2020, session in Victoria are cancelled.
Mar 16, 2020
This guidance document provides an at-a-glance look at the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) timelines regarding 10, 15, and 30-day requirements. It covers the registration requirements for lobbyists, what must be reported, and the applicable timelines.
Mar 3, 2020
If you are paid to lobby BC public office holders , you must register your lobbying activities in the Lobbyists Registry at the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists. Follow the steps below to register.
Mar 3, 2020
Mar 2, 2020
On May 4, 2020, the title of the Lobbyists Registration Act will change to the Lobbyists Transparency Act, or LTA, as the sections of the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2018, that have not yet come into force take effect. The changes will affect all lobbyists, and with the elimination of the 100- hour threshold we anticipate many organizations may have to register even if they have not had to do so in the past.
Feb 7, 2020
This guidance document explains the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) reporting requirements for relevant codes of conduct.
Feb 6, 2020
This guidance document provides an overview for organizations with in-house lobbyists under the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA).
Feb 6, 2020
This document provides guidance on the term “Provincial entity” as it is used in the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA).
Feb 6, 2020
This guidance document explains the gift-giving prohibition in the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA), the limited exception to the prohibition, and the reporting requirements related to gifts.
Feb 6, 2020
This document provides guidance regarding the transition rules – or time-related – aspects of the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) in the period after the legislation comes into force on May 4, 2020.
Feb 6, 2020
This guidance document explains the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) requirements for lobbyists to report information about government funding received or requested.
Feb 6, 2020
This guidance document explains the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) and BC Lobbyists Registry reporting requirements with respect to coalitions.
Feb 6, 2020
Feb 3, 2020
Jan 2, 2020
Dec 2, 2019
On Monday, November 25, 2019, the BC government published the Lobbyists Transparency Regulation. The regulation accompanies the 2018 amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act that address, in part, my office’s recommendations to increase transparency in lobbying.
Nov 27, 2019
Nov 1, 2019
I am pleased to present the 2018-19 annual report of the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL).
Legislative reform and implementation of those changes were a significant part of the work of the ORL this year. The year commenced with a focus on educating lobbyists about the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2017. The first round of changes related to that Act came into effect on May 1, 2018, and addressed one of five recommendations for reforms to the Lobbyists Registration Act my office made in 2013: to establish a “cooling off” period for former public office holders.
Oct 23, 2019
This guidance document explains the difference between marketing to government and lobbying of public office holders.
Oct 23, 2019
Oct 1, 2019
Sep 3, 2019
I recently spoke at a “Lunch and Learn” event hosted by the Public Affairs
Association of Canada – BC Chapter to update lobbyists on the impending
changes to the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA). I’d like to share this information
with those of you who couldn’t attend the Vancouver event.
Aug 15, 2019
Aug 1, 2019
An in-house lobbyist began lobbying for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The organization failed to update the registration to add the new in-house lobbyist within 30 days of the change contrary to s. 4(2) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA). The designated filer received an administrative penalty of $1,250.
Jul 10, 2019
Jul 2, 2019
Jun 3, 2019
Apr 30, 2019
Mar 29, 2019
Feb 28, 2019
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client. This was the second occasion on which the lobbyist contravened s. 3(1) of the LRA. The lobbyist received an administrative penalty of $5,000 for this contravention.
Feb 12, 2019
Feb 1, 2019
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of her client. An administrative penalty of $700 was imposed.
Jan 24, 2019
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of her client. An administrative penalty of $700 was imposed.
Jan 24, 2019
Jan 3, 2019
Dec 1, 2018
The Government of British Columbia passed the Lobbyists Registration
Amendment Act, 2017 last November. It went into effect on May 1, 2018,
and addressed one of five recommendations for reforms to the LRA that our
office made in 2013: establish a “cooling off” period for former public office
holders.
Nov 30, 2018
On November 27, Bill 54, the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act, 2018, received Royal
Assent. It contains a number of amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act to increase
transparency in lobbying.
Nov 28, 2018
Oct 31, 2018
I am pleased to present our 2017-18 annual report, my first as British Columbia’s Registrar of Lobbyists. My term commenced in April 2018, just before the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act came into effect on May 1, 2018. I am pleased that government has chosen to address needed reforms to the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) by providing greater clarity to lobbyists’ activities.
Oct 22, 2018
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 4(1)(o) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) for failing to declare that he was a former public office holder in his registration. An administrative penalty of $1,000 was imposed.
Oct 10, 2018
Oct 1, 2018
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) employs in-house lobbyists. The organization was found to be in contravention of section 4(1)(o) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) for failing to declare that one of the in-house lobbyists was a former public office holder. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Sep 18, 2018
The applicant served as president and chief executive officer of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) for five years and senior vice president of insurance for the previous two years. On January 22, 2018, he became president and chief executive officer of Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1). The Registrar concluded it was not in the public interest to exempt the applicant from the two-year cooling-off period under s. 2.2 of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA).
Sep 5, 2018
Aug 31, 2018
I write to draw your attention to what appears to be an error in the definition of “former public office holder” that urgently requires amendment.
Aug 1, 2018
Registrar of Lobbyists Michael McEvoy published a letter to Attorney General
David Eby concerning a significant loophole in the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) for
certain former public office holders.
Aug 1, 2018
Jul 31, 2018
The applicant, a former long-time assistant deputy minister in the provincial government, is subject to a two-year lobbying prohibition under section 2.2 of the Lobbyists Registration Act. Her application for an exemption under s. 2.3 is denied as it is not in the public interest. The authority to waive the exemption and impose conditions can only be exercised when it is in the public interest to do so. The legislative intention of s. 2.3 is to ensure that the narrow class of former public office holders, who, by definition, have worked at or very close to the heart of executive government, cannot use inside information or relationships to lobby immediately after leaving government. The authority to impose exemption conditions does not undercut the need for such an application to reach the public interest threshold. An exemption is not in the public interest in this case.
Jul 31, 2018
The applicant worked for 17 months as an executive assistant in a minister’s office. His
application for an exemption from the two-year cooling-off period under s. 2.2 of the Lobbyists
Registration Act is denied, as the requested exemption is not in the public interest. The legislative
intention of s. 2.3 is to address the fact that a “former public office holder” may use recent information
or relationships acquired in government to lobby after leaving government. The nature and length of the
applicant’s tenure in government are relevant, and there are no other factors supporting the conclusion
that it would be in the public interest to grant the exemption.
Jul 31, 2018
The applicant served as chief of staff to two ministers. It is not in the public interest to
exempt him from the two-year cooling-off period under s. 2.2 of the Lobbyists Registration Act. The
nature and length of his work, and other factors, do not support his request.
Jul 31, 2018
For almost a decade the applicant served as an executive assistant, ministerial assistant and
chief of staff for several provincial government ministers. He was chief of staff to the former minister of
tourism from December 2013 to July 2017. He is now an in-house lobbyist for Tourism Victoria, a notfor-
profit organization. The applicant argued that, because of the 2017 change in government, he does
not have relationships with ministers or their staff, thus addressing concern his being able to exploit
relationships. He also argued that he does not possess information that could be used to lobby for
Tourism Victoria. Given the length, seniority and recent nature of the applicant’s government
experience, as a senior political staffer across several ministries, including tourism, it is not in the public
interest to exempt him from the two-year cooling-off period under section 2.3.
Jul 31, 2018
The applicant is an in-house lobbyist with the BC Building Trades. She served for 6.5 weeks
as a ministerial assistant in the office of one minister during the transition from the previous provincial
government to the present administration. Her application for an exemption from the two-year lobbying
prohibition that applies under section 2.2 of the LRA does not properly arise for decision. This is because
she clearly does not fall within the plain and unambiguous language of the LRA’s definition of “former
public office holder.” She is therefore not subject to the s. 2.2 cooling-off period in the first place. The
Legislature may have intended to cover individuals in the applicant’s position, but enacted language that
does not do so.
Jul 31, 2018
Jul 6, 2018
VICTORIA—BC’s Registrar of Lobbyists Michael McEvoy issued the following statement:
“On Friday the Office of the Information Commissioner for Jersey confirmed the appointment of
Jay Fedorak as the incoming Information Commissioner for Jersey, effective July 2, 2018.
Jun 18, 2018
May 31, 2018
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyist Registration Act for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of her client. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
May 23, 2018
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyist Registration Act for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
May 23, 2018
Apr 30, 2018
The Province of British Columbia announced today that an amendment to the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) will come into force on May 1, 2018.
Apr 13, 2018
Inside these pages, we hope to answer your questions about what the amendment means for you as a lobbyist
when it comes into force on May 1, 2018.
Apr 13, 2018
Apr 4, 2018
The Province of BC is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) to ensure transparency and accountability, and to protect the integrity of the democratic institutions and interests of British Columbians.
Mar 12, 2018
Feb 28, 2018
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 4(1)(o) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) for failing to declare that he was a former public office holder in his registration. An administrative penalty of $2,000 was imposed.
Feb 13, 2018
Feb 1, 2018
Jan 2, 2018
Dec 1, 2017
Oct 31, 2017
Sep 29, 2017
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC (ICBA) had a change to the designated filer. The organization failed to update the registration to reflect the new designated filer within 30 days of the change contrary to s. 4(2) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA). The designated filer received an administrative penalty of $1000.
Sep 13, 2017
Sep 1, 2017
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyist Registration Act (LRA) for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Aug 21, 2017
Aug 1, 2017
An individual was in contravention of section 4.1 of the Lobbyist Registration Act (LRA). The individual was not a lobbyist as defined by the LRA. By registering, the individual submitted false information to the registry. The ORL imposed an administrative penalty of $100.
Jul 10, 2017
An individual was in contravention of section 4.1 of the Lobbyist Registration Act (LRA). The individual was not a lobbyist within the meaning of the LRA. By registering, the individual submitted false information to the registry. The ORL imposed an administrative penalty of $100.
Jul 10, 2017
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited (Gateway) employs in-house lobbyists. The organization’s designated filer failed to file a return within 30 days of the end date of its previous return contrary to s. 3(3)(b) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA). The designated filer was fined $1,500.
Jul 6, 2017
Jul 4, 2017
Jun 1, 2017
The provincial election means the lobbying community will have new relationships to build, new meetings to plan, and new registrations to file. We have also been busy here at the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for BC. Morag Ross has capably assumed the reins of Registry Manager following the retirement of Carol Searle. If you have questions about your registration, don’t hesitate to contact Morag at (250) 387-2686.
May 8, 2017
May 2, 2017
Apr 3, 2017
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyist Registration Act for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client. An administrative penalty of $800 was imposed.
Mar 22, 2017
Mar 1, 2017
Feb 1, 2017
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyist Registration Act (LRA) for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Jan 23, 2017
Jan 3, 2017
In June 2016, I was honoured to assume the role of Acting
Registrar of Lobbyists. During the first few months of my
appointment, I turned my attention to administrative matters.
In September, we launched a newly designed website and in
October, we introduced several improvements to the Lobbyists
Registry. I hope that these enhancements will clarify the
registration process for new lobbyists and make registration more
transparent for returning registrants.
Dec 21, 2016
Dec 1, 2016
A consultant lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Lobbyist Registration Act (LRA) for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Nov 10, 2016
Oct 31, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $700 was imposed.
Oct 11, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Oct 11, 2016
Sep 30, 2016
Aug 31, 2016
Am I lobbying if I am only being reimbursed for my expenses? Find out in this advisory bulletin.
Aug 24, 2016
Jul 31, 2016
Jun 30, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act (“LRA”). The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking. An administrative penalty of $750 was imposed.
Jun 2, 2016
May 31, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be in
contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $800 was imposed.
May 2, 2016
Apr 30, 2016
In January the ORL partnered with SFU
and the Public Affairs Association of
Canada to host a conference in
Vancouver that focused on the Future
of Lobbying. I was very pleased to see
such a great turnout.
Apr 1, 2016
Mar 31, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return after the deadline required by the
Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of
section 3( 1) of the LRA for failing to file a return within 1 0 days after entering into an
undertaking. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Mar 30, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return after the deadline required by the
Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of
section 3(1) of the LRA for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an
undertaking. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Mar 30, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return after the deadline required by the
Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of
section 3(1) of the LRA for failing to file a return within 10 days after entering into an
undertaking. An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Mar 30, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to
be in contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $700 was
imposed. The lobbyist also entered an inaccurate undertaking start date into his return, contrary
to s. 4(1) of the LRA, and certified under s. 5(1) of the LRA that the information was true. An
administrative penalty was not imposed for this contravention.
Mar 3, 2016
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to
be in contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $700 was
imposed.
Mar 3, 2016
Feb 29, 2016
Elizabeth Denham, Registrar of Lobbyists for British Columbia, released the following statement in response to enquiries about Carling Dick concerning her status as a lobbyist for the ride-sharing technology company, Uber.
Feb 12, 2016
Jan 31, 2016
Dec 31, 2015
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to
be in contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $700 was
imposed. The lobbyist also entered an inaccurate undertaking start date into his return, contrary
to s. 4(1) of the LRA and certified under s. 5(1) of the LRA that the information was true. An
administrative penalty was not imposed for this contravention.
Dec 23, 2015
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be in
contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $700 was imposed.
Dec 17, 2015
Nov 30, 2015
Oct 31, 2015
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be in
contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $600 was imposed.
Oct 20, 2015
A consultant lobbyist entered into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of her client.
The lobbyist filed her return more than 1 0 days after entering into the undertaking contrary to
s. 3(1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). Furthermore, the lobbyist entered inaccurate
information, the undertaking start date, into her return contrary to s. 4(1 )(b)(ii) of the LRA and
certified under s. 5( 1) of the LRA that the information was true. An administrative penalty of
$1,700 was imposed.
Oct 14, 2015
On January 22, 2014, a consultant lobbyist filed a return, registration ID 18815955,
with the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists ("ORL") after entering into an undertaking to lobby
on behalf of his client. On January 21, 2015, the lobbyist changed the undertaking end date of
the registration from January 22, 2015 to August 14, 2014. The lobbyist failed to inform the ORL
of the termination of his undertaking within 30 days of its end date, contrary to s. 4(3) of the
Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). An administrative penalty of $500 was imposed.
Statutes Considered:
Oct 6, 2015
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be in
contravention of section 3(1) of the LRA and an administrative penalty of $750 was imposed.
Oct 2, 2015
In June I released the 2014-15
annual report for the Office of the
Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL). In the
report, we highlight our commitment
to public education, which we are
working to implement in the coming
year. Stay tuned as we continue to
make new learning opportunities
available.
Oct 1, 2015
Sep 30, 2015
During an environmental scan, Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists ("ORL") staff
discovered a consultant lobbyist who appeared to be lobbying but had not filed a return on the
Lobbyists Registry. ORL staff contacted the lobbyist, verified his lobbying activities and
discussed the requirements for registration. The consultant lobbyist filed a return with the
Lobbyists Registry on May 10, 2015. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date of his
undertaking was June 1, 2013. He failed to meet his obligations under s. 3(1) when he did not
file a return within 1 0 days of entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of a client. An
administrative penalty of $2,000 was imposed.
Sep 24, 2015
During an environmental scan, Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (“ORL”) staff
discovered a consultant lobbyist who appeared to be lobbying but had not filed a return on the
Lobbyists Registry. ORL staff contacted the lobbyist, verified his lobbying activities and
discussed the requirements for registration. The consultant lobbyist filed a return with the ORL
on May 7, 2015. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date of his undertaking was
June 17, 2013. He failed to meet his obligations under s. 3(1) when he did not file a return after
entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of a client. An administrative penalty of $3,000
was imposed.
Sep 24, 2015
During an environmental scan, Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (“ORL”) staff
discovered a consultant lobbyist who appeared to be lobbying but had not filed a return on the
Lobbyists Registry. ORL staff contacted the lobbyist, verified his lobbying activities and
discussed the requirements for registration. The consultant lobbyist filed four returns with the
Lobbyists Registry. He failed to meet his obligations under s. 3(1) when he did not file his
returns within 10 days of entering into undertakings to lobby on behalf of the clients. An
administrative penalty of $3,000 was imposed.
Sep 24, 2015
Aug 31, 2015
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client
after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). The lobbyist was found to
be in contravention of s. 3(1) of the LRA and was fined $1,200.
Aug 19, 2015
The British Columbia Teachers' Federation ("BCTF") employs an in-house
lobbyist. The organization's designated filer failed to file a return within 30 days of the end date
of its previous return contrary to s. 3(3)(b) of the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA").
The designated filer was fined $1,000.
Aug 19, 2015
Jul 31, 2015
Jun 30, 2015
A consultant lobbyist (the "lobbyist") filed a return with the Office of the Registrar of
Lobbyists ("ORL") on August 13, 2013. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date of his
undertaking was July 1, 2013. An investigation by the ORL found that the lobbyist failed to meet
his obligations under s. 3( 1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA '? when he did not file a
return within 1 0 days of entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of a client. The lobbyist
asked the Registrar of Lobbyists (the "Registrar") to reconsider the investigator's findings.
Based on new evidence submitted by the lobbyist, the Registrar rescinded the investigator's
findings. However, the new evidence prompted the Registrar to initiate an investigation to
determine whether the lobbyist had possibly contravened s. 4(1) of the LRA. The Investigator
concluded that the lobbyist had contravened s. 3(1) not s. 4(1) of the LRA. The Investigator also
discovered additional evidence which showed that the lobbyist had also contravened ss.
4(1 )(b)(iii), 4(1 )(d) and 4(2)(a) of the LRA. The lobbyist was fined $3,500.
Jun 15, 2015
May 31, 2015
Apr 30, 2015
Over the past few years we have seen an
increased interest in establishing
lobbyist registries at the local
government level.
In this issue our feature story presents
the case for the establishment of
municipal lobbyist registries in B.C. with
the goal of promoting transparency at all
levels of government. At this time,
Surrey is the only municipality in B.C. to
have a municipal lobbyist registry.
Apr 1, 2015
Mar 31, 2015
Feb 28, 2015
Jan 31, 2015
Dec 31, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a return with the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists
("ORL") on October 29, 2013. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date of the
undertaking was September 23, 2013. The contract indicated a start date of September 1, 2013.
The return was filed in excess of 1 0 days after the lobbyist entered into an undertaking to lobby
on behalf of his client, contrary to s. 3( 1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act ("LRA"). Furthermore,
the lobbyist entered inaccurate information, the undertaking start date, into his return, contrary
to s. 4( 1) of the LRA and certified under s. 5( 1) of the LRA that the information was true. The
consultant lobbyist was fined $1,500.
Nov 3, 2014
Oct 31, 2014
A consultant lobbyist (the lobbyist) filed a return with the Office of the Registrar of
Lobbyists (ORL) on May 1, 2014. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date of her
undertaking was January 1, 2014. She failed to meet her obligations under s. 3(1) when she did
not file a return within 1 0 days of entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of a client. The
lobbyist was fined $500.
Oct 30, 2014
In the Spring 2014 issue of Influencing
B.C., I signalled my intention to step up
enforcement activity to ensure lobbyists
are complying with the Lobbyists
Registration Act in the interests of
transparency and accountability.
Oct 1, 2014
Sep 30, 2014
A consultant lobbyist, Brenda Swick, (the lobbyist) filed a return,
registration ID 18815957, with the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL) on
January 22, 2014. The lobbyist entered a colleague as another consultant lobbyist
engaged by her to work on the undertaking. ORL staff asked the lobbyist to clarify
whether her colleague would be submitting a new registration or if this was entered in
error. The lobbyist informed the ORL that her colleague was not working on the
undertaking and the file was no longer active. ORL staff advised the lobbyist to remove
her colleague from the return and terminate the registration. The lobbyist did not comply
with s. 4(2)(a) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) when she failed to remove her
colleague from the return prior to the legislated deadline. The lobbyist also failed to
terminate the registration within the timelines set out in s. 4(3) of the LRA. The lobbyist
was fined $700.
Sep 19, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a registration to undertake lobbying on behalf of a client
organization. Shortly after registration, the lobbyist resigned from his contract with the client
organization and accepted other employment. The lobbyist did not update his registration until
more than seven months after the time required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. He was
found to be in contravention of s. 4(3) of the Lobbyists Registration Act and fined $500.
Sep 18, 2014
Aug 31, 2014
Jul 31, 2014
Jun 30, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a return with the Office of the Registrar of
Lobbyists (ORL) on August 8, 2013. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date
of his undertaking was June 18, 2013. He failed to meet his obligations under s. 3(1)
when he did not file a return within 10 days of entering into an undertaking to lobby on
behalf of a client. The consultant lobbyist was fined $600.
Jun 5, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a registration to undertake lobbying on behalf of
a client. The investigation revealed that the lobbyist failed to meet his obligations under
ss. 3(1) and 4(3) of the Lobbyists Registration Act (LRA) when he did not file a return
within 10 days of entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of his client and did not
update his registration's end-date within 30 days. The lobbyist was assessed a
combined administrative monetary penalty of $1,200.
Jun 4, 2014
May 31, 2014
Apr 30, 2014
Transparency in lobbying is critical to a
well-functioning democracy. As the
Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development noted in its 2009 report
on lobbying, Lobbyists, Government and
Public Trust, “Private interests seeking to
influence government decisions, legislation
or the award of contracts is part of the
policy-making process in modern
democracies. Lobbying can improve
government decisions by providing valuable
insights and data, but it can also lead to
unfair advantages for vocal vested
interests if the process is opaque and
standards are lax.”
Apr 1, 2014
Mar 31, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a registration to undertake lobbying on behalf of
a client organization. Three months before the end date the lobbyist specified for that
undertaking, an organization hired him as an in-house lobbyist and he ceased to lobby
on behalf of the client organization. The lobbyist did not update his registration until four
months after the actual termination of his undertaking. He was found to be in
contravention of s. 4(3) of the Lobbyists Registration Act and fined $500.
Mar 14, 2014
An organization employing an in-house lobbyist was required to file
a return. The organization's designated filer filed a return within the legislated time
frame. There were several outdated target contacts listed in the registration. The Office
of the Registrar of Lobbyists ("ORL") registry manager identified the errors, brought the
errors to the designated filer's attention and asked him to correct them. The designated
filer failed to make the corrections within the time lines set out in the Lobbyists
Registration Act ("LRA"). When he did not make the required corrections, the
organization's registration was deemed not to have been received by the Registrar.
The organization's designated filer thereby failed to file a return as required by s. 3(3)(b)
of the LRA within 30 days of its previous return and was fined $1,000.
Mar 14, 2014
Cynthia (Burton) Shore, a consultant lobbyist, filed a return with the ORL on
June 25, 2013. The lobbyist certified that the commencement date of the undertaking was
May 1, 2013. The lobbyist failed to meet her obligations under s. 3(1) when she did not file
a return within 10 days after entering into an undertaking to lobby on behalf of a client.
The consultant lobbyist was fined $700.
Mar 14, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of
a client two months after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act.
The lobbyist was found to be in contravention of s. 3(1) of the Lobbyists Registration Act
and fined $700.
Mar 14, 2014
A consultant lobbyist filed a return to register as a lobbyist on behalf of a client one
year after the deadline required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. The lobbyist was found to be
in contravention of the Lobbyists Registration Act and fined $700.
Mar 14, 2014
Feb 28, 2014
Jan 31, 2014
Dec 31, 2013
Nov 30, 2013
Building on the work outlined in Lobbying in British Columbia: The Way Forward, this report summarizes the results of an extensive consultation undertaken by the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (“ORL”) on the status of lobbying regulation in British Columbia and recommends five amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act (“LRA”).
Nov 5, 2013
Oct 31, 2013
Autumn is, for many, a time to reflect
on the year that’s been and look
forward to the coming year and its new
opportunities.
Looking back on 2013, our most
significant accomplishment was a
comprehensive proposal to amend the
legislation regulating lobbying in B.C.
After more than six months of
consultations with lobbyists, public
office holders and key stakeholders, I
tabled a report in the Legislature
recommending five critical amendments
to the Lobbyists Registration Act
(LRA).
Oct 1, 2013
Sep 30, 2013
Aug 31, 2013
Jul 31, 2013
Since we published our last issue, in
addition to our regular business, we’ve
been busy moving our legislative reform
project forward.
I was appointed as the Registrar of
Lobbyists for B.C. just after the 2010
amendments to the Lobbyists Registration
Act (LRA) were passed. These last
three years have been a time of learning
for my office and for members of the
B.C. lobbying community.
Jul 1, 2013
Jun 30, 2013
The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists conducted an investigation to determine whether
the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police and the British Columbia Association
of Municipal Chiefs of Police were required to register under the LRA. The Acting
Deputy Registrar found that the police associations are not required to register as
lobbyists under the LRA, because their members communicate with public office holders
in their official capacity as employees of a local government authority or the government
of Canada and are exempt from the requirement to register.
Jun 6, 2013
May 31, 2013
A consultant lobbyist filed a registration, which was allowed to lapse when
it expired. Nearly six months later, the same consultant lobbyist filed a new registration,
which comprised the same undertaking to lobby for the same client as the registration
that had been allowed to lapse. The consultant lobbyist admits that he had lobbied
during the period during which his registration had lapsed, and was found to have
contravened section 4(2)(a) of the LRA. He was fined $506.
May 2, 2013
Apr 30, 2013
Mar 31, 2013
Feb 28, 2013
Jan 31, 2013
Lobbyists are a natural part of the democratic landscape. And yet, lobbying is largely misunderstood by the public, and often mischaracterised. Lobbyists come from all walks of life. They are employees and contractors of non-profit associations seeking additional funding for out-of-school care, local businesses seeking changes in law enforcement policies, multinational corporations seeking to increase investment opportunities, chambers of commerce seeking business tax exemptions and environmental groups seeking to protect indigenous species of plants. They are employees and contractors of any organization seeking to influence public policy decisions.
Jan 21, 2013
Registrar of Lobbyists Elizabeth Denham has recommended changes to B.C.'s lobbying rules, including a two-year ban on lobbying by all former high ranking public officials, in a report tabled today in the Legislative Assembly.
Jan 21, 2013
Happy 2013! It’s hard to
believe another year has
come and gone already. Last
year was another busy year
for the Office of the Registrar
of Lobbyists.
Jan 1, 2013
Dec 31, 2012
Nov 30, 2012
Oct 31, 2012
Sep 30, 2012
It is an “old saw” among lobby
regulators, and something of an
understatement, that achieving
compliance with lobby regulation is
notoriously difficult.
Sep 1, 2012
Aug 31, 2012
Jul 31, 2012
Jun 30, 2012
May 31, 2012
As forecasted in the May,
2011 edition of Influencing
BC, I invite all readers to
participate in a public
consultation that my office is
facilitating on the issue of
whether a BC lobbyist code of
conduct is warranted and, if
so, what it should contain.
May 1, 2012
Apr 30, 2012
The purpose of this paper is to stimulate thought and discussion amongst stakeholder groups and the general public about whether British Columbia should have a lobbyist code of conduct, and, if so, what effects it might have, and how such a code might best be enforced. We invite members of the public and interested stakeholders to participate in this consultation by reading this paper and responding to the questions contained therein and/or providing relevant feedback concerning a lobbyist code of conduct.
Apr 23, 2012
Mar 31, 2012
Feb 29, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist was retained by Equifax as a consultant lobbyist and the information he supplied to the Registrar of Lobbyists in registering this lobbying activity was not inaccurate.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to registering lobbying activity on behalf of a client that was not taking place. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention of supplying inaccurate information to the Registrar of Lobbyists to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to terminating the registration for the lobbying activity after the 30-day requirement of s. 4(3) of the LRA. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to terminating the registration for the lobbying activity after the 30-day requirement of s. 4(3) of the LRA. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to terminating the registration for the lobbying activity after the 30-day requirement of s. 4(3) of the LRA. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to terminating the registration for the lobbying activity after the 30-day requirement of s. 4(3) of the LRA. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to terminating the registration for the lobbying activity after the 30-day requirement of s. 4(3) of the LRA. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
The Lobbyist admitted to terminating the registration for the lobbying activity after the 30-day requirement of s. 4(3) of the LRA. The Acting Deputy Registrar found the alleged contravention to be substantiated and issued a monetary penalty of $25.
Feb 27, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
Happy 2012! Welcome to our
1st anniversary issue of
Influencing BC. 2011 was a
very busy and productive year
for the Office of the Registrar
of Lobbyists, culminating in a
December conference cohosted
with Simon Fraser
University’s Institute of
Governance Studies (IGS).
Jan 1, 2012
Dec 31, 2011
Nov 30, 2011
Oct 31, 2011
The ratio of available enforcement
resources of the ORL to
the registered lobbyist community
is roughly 850 to 1.
This gap underscores the
importance of a multi-pronged
compliance strategy and one
that supports and promotes
critical dialogue.
Sep 1, 2011
Over a year ago sweeping
amendments to the BC Lobbyists
Registration Act (―LRA‖)
came into force. Since then,
the number of registered lobbyists
in BC has doubled.
This law is all about transparency.
It attempts to enhance
public trust in government
decision-making processes by
making lobbying activities
transparent. Declarations by
lobbyists about their activities
are placed in an easily accessible
online registry. The LRA
fulfills the public’s right to
know who is attempting to
influence government decisions
by requiring lobbyists to
publicly register, declare who
they are lobbying, on whose
behalf, on what subject matter
and why.
May 1, 2011
Mar 31, 2011
I have a confession to
make. I have been lobbied.
As a former ―designated
public office holder‖ under
the federal system, I
learned firsthand that lobbyists
come in all shapes
and sizes, contrary to inaccurate
but enduring perceptions
that lobbyists are
shady backroom players.
The fact is that we live
amongst lobbyists.
Jan 1, 2011
