When I was elected in 2015, your predecessor, Ms. Shepherd, gave me an introduction to your office at my MP orientation. I asked her a simple question: What is the difference between lobbying and influence peddling? She gave me the simple answer that influence peddling is illegal, which was partly what I was looking for.
In my experience, a lot of former MPs and staffers go on to become lobbyists. I guess it's better money for fewer hours. What is it they're selling? Is it the fact that they are well known and well respected, and if they call, everyone takes the call, and based on their connections and reputations they can therefore get more meetings? Are they offering process knowledge on how the House works and subject matter knowledge to policy-makers? One of those, I think, is influence peddling and one is lobbying. Where do you draw the line between the two?