Evidence of meeting #26 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was terms.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:20 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Given the importance of education, I'm not sure that I see it diminishing. It may expand, or I may want to change the way we're getting the message out. I think we can always improve.
4:20 p.m.
Conservative
Earl Dreeshen Conservative Red Deer, AB
Sometimes there's a negative view of lobbyists. Of course, you've indicated that they're an essential part of our system.
Could you describe the role the lobbyists play and the value they add to our system of government?
4:20 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Having been in a position where I was lobbied, or people were coming to me to provide ideas to change legislation or improve a program, I can say that as a public servant and someone in policy, you benefit from having all of the best information among your resources. There is a role that lobbyists play in the policy field. The negative tone usually comes because the media will be playing the negative lobbying that has occurred, rather than because the act.... It doesn't necessarily define a lobbyist; it defines that whose who are communicating with a public office holder to try to attempt.... In doing this, you are capturing the accountants, the lawyers, the professors at university who are experts in their domain and field within lobbying. That, to me, is the importance that lobbyists play in the policy field.
4:25 p.m.
Conservative
Earl Dreeshen Conservative Red Deer, AB
Thank you.
You also stated that you've represented the office, as you answered Mr. Siksay's question, in both national and international forums to explain our lobbying legislation. How has our lobbying legislation been received at these forums? What have you learned and what have you been able to indicate to others? What kind of feedback have you been getting?
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
At the forums, it's actually been quite positive. I think one of the things for the U.S., for example, which puts a lot emphasis on the financials and so on, is that they're quite intrigued with this idea of monthly reporting and what that means. They have quarterly reporting, as I understand it's supposed to be, and they take part in the different departments, but they don't get into the specific individuals and topics they're meeting with. So I find that's one avenue.
We've also had different countries that are thinking of putting in lobbying legislation approach us, and given that Canada is considered to be an expert, or has a legislation we should be proud of in terms of the lobbying field, it's quite favourable.
June 8th, 2009 / 4:25 p.m.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, Ms. Shepherd.
You are the commissioner for the House of Commons. Is that right?
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
I am the Commissioner of Lobbying.
4:25 p.m.
Bloc
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
As Commissioner of Lobbying, I report to the House of Commons and the Senate.
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Correct.
4:25 p.m.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
The reason I ask is that earlier, I got the impression that there was a commissioner for the Senate and another for the House of Commons. But you cover both chambers.
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Yes, there is only me.
4:25 p.m.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
How fortunate you are. Congratulations.
Without naming anyone specifically, of course, could you tell us where the complaints come from? From private businesses? From members?
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
We have received complaints from parliamentarians, industry representatives and Canadians. Furthermore, we do not necessarily wait for a complaint. If we believe that a situation we are monitoring should be the subject of an administrative review, we take action.
4:25 p.m.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
If I understand correctly, a person can become a lobbyist five years after leaving the public service. Is that correct?
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
The act sets out a five-year prohibition. It applies to those who want to engage in lobbying as consultants.
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Yes.
4:25 p.m.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
Okay. They must wait five years before they can become lobbyists as recognized by the Parliament of Canada.
I will not name names, but certain Liberals who were ministers before the Harper government came into power are now lobbyists. So there was no five-year wait in their case.
Are there certain lobbying activities for which the prohibition can be less than five years, or is it always five years?
4:25 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Yes, it is five years. That is the rule. The act allows me to grant exemptions, but they must be consistent with the act. I will not name any names, either. The Lobbying Act and the five-year prohibition came into force on July 2, 2008.
4:25 p.m.
Bloc
Richard Nadeau Bloc Gatineau, QC
It came in the wake of the famous Bill C-2. Before that, there were no rules, per se. If I understand correctly, there was no prohibition before 2008.
4:30 p.m.
Proposed appointee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
A five-year prohibition applied to certain positions under—and forgive me for forgetting the title in French—the
post-employment code. That had a five-year ban as well, for those in certain positions.
