Mr. Speaker, today, with the House back in session, Canadians have reason to celebrate. Today is the first day that parliamentarians will be subject to the rules and obligations of the Lobbying Act.
When this Conservative government brought in the Federal Accountability Act, we toughened up the lax Liberal rules and delivered greater accountability to government. As a result, Canadians now have a independent officer of Parliament with the tools, rules and independence needed to do the job. Anyone who lobbies public office-holders must register with the Lobbying Commissioner and report monthly on his or her lobbying activities with designated public office-holders.
By extending these rules to members of Parliament, senators and exempt staff in the opposition leader's office, we can ensure that all lobbying activities directed toward parliamentarians will be accounted for, fully transparent and fully available to Canadians.
As the House of Commons resumes today, we look forward to working together to ensure that Parliament is delivering results for and is accountable to Canadians.