Evidence of meeting #82 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was internet.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:05 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
I would assume they would continue, but maybe I'm completely wrong on that. I hope not.
4:05 p.m.
NDP
Nathan Cullen NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
According to Ms. Dawson, under that section of the law, under ethics, there isn't an obligation for a new commissioner to continue old investigations.
4:05 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Okay.
4:05 p.m.
NDP
Nathan Cullen NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
It is a bit unclear under lobbying. We have two from 2014, both on the Prime Minister, that are continuing. That's when the case was first raised.
It's a natural concern to ask, is it going to take longer? It sounds as if it may have to. If primary witnesses have to be heard from, you need to hear from them. It's hard to just go from notes. Does the law require you to? Hearing your opinion about that, at your discretion, if there is some, I think is comforting to me and perhaps to others as well.
Thank you.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Bob Zimmer
Thank you, Mr. Cullen.
Next up, for seven minutes, is Mr. Erskine-Smith.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
4:05 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Thank you.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
It occurs to me that if I were to give Mr. Cullen one name and ask for his feedback on that one name, and take that feedback seriously, that could be considered consultation—but that might just be me.
You mentioned greater use of technology and outreach. It occurs to me that attending conferences, speaking to lobbyists who definitely want to hear what you have to say, that outreach is very important. It occurs to me it might be a challenge to reach the broader Canadian public on a topic like this. It's a challenge sometimes for us to reach the broader Canadian public.
Is that a challenge? Do you see other challenges? What do you see as the challenges of this role over your mandate?
4:05 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
There are a few challenges.
Obviously outreach is going to be an important one for me. The lobbyists don't know me. One of my challenges will be to settle my credibility and instill a trust and a conversation, demonstrating that I'm here to do the mandate and do it right.
Another challenge likely will be walking into an office with a $4.4-million budget. It's relatively small, so I'll be looking for ways to make sure that we meet all these obligations within budget. Commissioner Shepherd has always said that she led a lean and effective office. I believe her, and hopefully, I will continue in that strength.
Coming into office, as well as settling my credibility with the team, with the employees.... It's small. It's 28 employees. I will meet with them individually, and I will make sure we continue to meet the mandate.
The five-year review will certainly be on the top of the list, and defending the ongoing litigation as well.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
It's certainly making sure that the office complies quickly with access to information requests.
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Absolutely, but that's my old hat.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
I see you've been counsel at a number of different places. Would you point to anything else in your background that makes you suitable for this role? Highlighting your legal experience is the most important.
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
In addition to being a legal counsel, I am a mother. I can tell you that is probably where I've learned most in life—being a mother.
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Getting lobbied very frequently, yes, absolutely. That was a good one.
I have also had the experience of going to an international school. I left New Brunswick when I was 17 and went to Pearson College in B.C. I lived with students from across the world, with roommates who had never seen a light-switch, and it opened my eyes to understanding and absolutely being welcoming of all, and I think that makes me who I am. That experience really was fantastic for me.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Thanks for that.
You've noted that we're beyond the five-year review. I mean Parliament, of course. That's for us, the study to meet that five-year review in the act.
You're going to be new to the role. Asking you questions today in relation to a future study doesn't particularly make sense in terms of substance, but in terms of process, when do you envision being able to come before this committee, having been briefed, and able to provide us with substantive views in relation to the 2011 recommendations or additional recommendations?
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
I'll make sure I'm ready when I know that the process is starting. That will likely be one of the things I'll be looking into right away. I've started reading up on the commissioner's recommendations as well.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
I think that would likely be fair. The spring would be fair.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
I only have one other question. As an officer of Parliament, you are ultimately acting alongside parliamentarians in hoping to hold the government to account.
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Yes.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Is there anything in your background, anything in your history, or anything in your past experience that you think would preclude you from adequately holding the government to account and scrutinizing the government in this position?
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
Absolutely not. Not that I know of, anyway.
4:10 p.m.
Nominee for the position of Commissioner of Lobbying, As an Individual
You're welcome.