Good morning, everyone. Thanks for braving the snow this morning to be here in person.
My name is Kyle Larkin.
Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the members of the committee for inviting us to testify today.
I'm the treasurer of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, also known as PAAC. As you may know, PAAC is a national not-for-profit organization that represents hundreds of public affairs professionals across the country. Our members come from both the private and the public sectors, in areas such as industrial and financial companies, Crown corporations, consulting firms, small businesses, ministries and municipalities, PR organizations, trade associations, educational institutions, and law and accounting firms.
I'm pleased to be here today with my colleague Megan, from the Government Relations Institute of Canada, whom we have worked closely with in engaging on this consultation for the renewed Lobbyists' Code of Conduct.
I would like to begin my remarks today by stating that while some of the changes to the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct are welcome, others are truly a solution in search of a problem.
As you've already heard from other witnesses, the commissioner has proposed an annual limit of $80 for hospitality, which includes parliamentary receptions.
As you know, receptions in Ottawa and events across Canada are a unique opportunity for elected officials to meet with Canadians who are working in a variety of different industries. Lobbyists have the pleasure of working with these individuals on a regular basis. Craig from Barrie, Sue from Hamilton and Christina from Vancouver have all attended parliamentary receptions hosted by associations over the past year. None of them or the thousands of other business leaders who visit Parliament annually are registered lobbyists.
The current rules already disallow lobbying at receptions. Receptions are instead a unique opportunity for an association, charity or industry to raise its awareness among parliamentarians. There are tens of thousands of associations, charities and companies in Canada, and for some, the only way to connect with elected officials is through a reception or event. These events also allow parliamentarians to meet Canadians from across the country who are on the ground and building businesses, creating economic development and supporting their own communities.
To ensure that these important democratic functions are able to continue, we are proposing that the term “reasonable” continue to be applied to receptions, as is the case in the current code of conduct.
The second area that PAAC finds issue with in the proposed Lobbyists' Code of Conduct relates to the new section on political work.
As you have also heard from other witnesses, the new cooling-off period limitations pose challenges for the democratic participation that is allowed for all Canadians, no matter their profession. PAAC does believe that a cooling-off period should continue to apply to those who hold senior roles on campaigns, as this could potentially create a sense of obligation for public office holders. However, to hold this same standard for door knocking, canvassing, distributing campaign literature and other minor campaign activities infringes on Canadians' ability to participate in our democracy.
Furthermore, there are no examples of non-compliance as it relates to political activities that we know about. Lobbyists, many of whom have worked on Parliament Hill, are naturally passionate about Canadian politics. Many have also been involved in campaigns one way or another since a young age and continue to participate due to their belief in specific candidates or a passion for a certain political party. In no way are lobbyists participating in elections to create favour, and if they did create a sense of obligation, they would already be precluded from lobbying that individual.
Last, as you all know, volunteers are the backbone of local political campaigns. As lobbyists are naturally risk-averse and have a strong history of complying with the act and the code of conduct, many would cease to involve themselves during elections. While this might not have a tremendous impact on campaigns, it does create a system that excludes certain professionals from participating in our democracy.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to study the renewed Lobbyists' Code of Conduct. It's important that we get this right in order to ensure that transparency and accountability among lobbyists continues, while also mitigating unintended consequences on important democratic functions.
Thank you again. I'd be happy to take any questions you may have.