Information & Ethics committee  Thank you.

Information & Ethics committee  A five-year prohibition applied to certain positions under—and forgive me for forgetting the title in French—the post-employment code. That had a five-year ban as well, for those in certain positions.

Information & Ethics committee  I think that is now the case. In recent years, the staffing process was going on. In addition, the act has changed twice since 2004. That situation created challenges. Under my mandate, which is seven years, I would really like to address these issues. Over the summer, I will probably check to see whether my priorities and my resources line up.

Information & Ethics committee  The Lobbying Act came into force in July 2008, but the act has been around since 1989 and has been strengthened over time with all of the amendments that Parliament has chosen.

Information & Ethics committee  To be honest, I find ten months is early to see where the problems are. What I've noticed, though, in the monthly reporting is that people are tending to over-report, so the importance is in getting the education out there. In terms of looking, I'd like to be a little bit longer with the legislation so I can better answer the question as to where there may be potential difficulties.

Information & Ethics committee  There is a mandatory requirement in the law that it be reviewed every five years.

Information & Ethics committee  The rules set by the industry, no. When I refer to “ethical conduct”, it's in terms of the lobbyist code of conduct and whether they are communicating with all those public office holders, or if they are respecting that particular code and communicating in an ethical manner.

Information & Ethics committee  The act sets out a five-year prohibition. It applies to those who want to engage in lobbying as consultants.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes, there is only me.

Information & Ethics committee  We have received complaints from parliamentarians, industry representatives and Canadians. Furthermore, we do not necessarily wait for a complaint. If we believe that a situation we are monitoring should be the subject of an administrative review, we take action.

Information & Ethics committee  At the forums, it's actually been quite positive. I think one of the things for the U.S., for example, which puts a lot emphasis on the financials and so on, is that they're quite intrigued with this idea of monthly reporting and what that means. They have quarterly reporting, as I understand it's supposed to be, and they take part in the different departments, but they don't get into the specific individuals and topics they're meeting with.

Information & Ethics committee  I am the Commissioner of Lobbying.

Information & Ethics committee  As Commissioner of Lobbying, I report to the House of Commons and the Senate.

Information & Ethics committee  Correct.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes, it is five years. That is the rule. The act allows me to grant exemptions, but they must be consistent with the act. I will not name any names, either. The Lobbying Act and the five-year prohibition came into force on July 2, 2008.