The Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct (2015) was published in the November 7 issue of Canada Gazette. It is available here – http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2015/2015-11-07/html/commis-eng.php#cb10. The new Code comes into force on December 1, 2015. The 1997 Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct remains in force until it is replaced. The Code and guidance documentation can be found on the OCL website – https://ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/012.nsf/eng/01187.html – and as an additional aid, an annotated Code that can be found here – https://ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/012.nsf/eng/h_01185.html.
GRIC has been directly engaged on behalf of members in consultations with the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying on both the development of the Code and the guidance materials released on November 7 through meetings, consultations, written submissions, and member roundtables. You can review the GRIC submissions below. We commend the Commissioner for her commitment to engaging stakeholders in meaningful and ongoing dialogue and her willingness to accommodate questions and provide clarity as requested to the extent possible. GRIC has consistently stated that the rules should be simple to follow, transparent and support an accessible policy environment for Parliamentarians and government officials.
Additionally, GRIC organized a briefing session for members with the Commissioner of Lobbying that was held on November 12, 2015 in Ottawa and November 17, 2015 in Calgary. In her presentations, the Commissioner highlighted and explained the changes in the new Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct. At the November 12 session, former Liberal Member of Parliament for the Nova Scotia constituency of Cape Breton Highlands-Canso, Francis LeBlanc moderated a Q&A with the Commissioner. A special acknowledgement to Alberta based GRIC Director Brian Gilbertson, Agrium Inc., and Member Alexis Ksiazkiewicz, University of Alberta, for their efforts in facilitating the Calgary session on November 17.