Message from the Commissioner

Confidence in the integrity of government decision-making is essential.

Establishing the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying and the coming into force of the Lobbying Act are further, significant steps in the Government of Canada's efforts to increase public trust in its decision-making processes through increased transparency of lobbying activities directed at federal public office holders. The new provisions contained in the Lobbying Act will allow us to strengthen the lobbying disclosure system to ensure greater clarity and accountability from those involved.

In creating the new position of Commissioner of Lobbying, Parliament decided to provide a clear and strong mandate to develop and put in place educational and outreach programs about lobbying and transparency. The initiatives I intend to put forward will aim at ensuring that the requirements for registering are clear to those who lobby, for the public office holders they communicate with and for anyone who is interested in their activities. I sincerely believe that by promoting greater awareness of what lobbying is and of how to comply with the law will result in greater compliance.

The Act and the related regulations were put in place to ensure that lobbying activities carried out with the Government of Canada are conducted in a transparent and ethical manner. The Registry of Lobbyists is a core instrument in providing a transparent system for registering lobbyists. Already in the forefront in using electronic means for this activity, the Office has responded to requests for a more flexible system and has launched an improved Registry.

The new position also gives the Commissioner, extensive powers to investigate and prosecute violations. In this context, I intend to ensure that the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct are enforced with all the necessary diligence in a fair and predictable manner.

As has always been the case, but especially in this period of change and adjustments, the Office and its officials are committed to implementing the Lobbying Act in conformity with Parliament's desire for increased transparency in a manner that meets the needs of those who use its services.

Karen E. Shepherd
Commissioner of Lobbying