Mr. Speaker, the answer is an enthusiastic yes. I checked that with the leader of my party earlier today. We believe that all members of Parliament should be subject to the same rule of full disclosure when they have contact with a lobbyist as well as indicating the subject matter discussed.
I do not see that as a burden. In fact, I do it all the time. My first question to someone who comes into my office on an issue is, “Are you registered as a lobbyist?”, or “Should you be registered as a lobbyist given the nature of the meeting?”. If the answer is no, then the meeting is over. I do not meet with them. I do not like having lobbyists in my office at the best of times, but if they are not registered, they are not going to finish the meeting.
It was the Lobbying Commissioner who advised us when the office was first created. We were told that the first question we should ask at a meeting is, “Are you a registered lobbyist”? and if the answer is no, that is it, the meeting goes no further.
As far as lobbyists and running into them elsewhere, I think lobbyists should take a hike out in Gatineau Park.