Page 3 - Lobbyist Code News Today

MPs recently moved to delay proposed changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct that include reduced cooling-off periods for lobbyists doing political work and more stringent rules for gift-giving.

Proposed changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct are ready to be examined and approved by the parliamentary ethics committee before coming into force after two years and three rounds of consultations.

On Thursday, Democracy Watch, Climate Action Network and other civil society groups sent a joint open letter to lobbying commissioner Nancy Bélanger voicing concern over the reduced cooling-off period, which they say opens the door to unethical lobbying.

Lobbyists working the halls of Parliament on behalf of interest groups will soon have new rules around campaigning for politicians and stricter rules around gift giving. 

Many Canadians don't realize lobbying shapes the laws and policies that govern our day-to-day lives, affecting the country's future. A lobbyist’s main objective is to influence government decisions and legislation in the interest of their client — but what does this actually mean?