Information & Ethics committee  Madam Chair, in British Columbia, like Alberta, there is a requirement in our legislation that there be a reconsideration. Also, after the reconsideration the decisions are subject to judicial review. I've also structured my office in such a way that I am the registrar, so I am

Information & Ethics committee  Our law says that the lobbyist must be notified and have a chance to respond before any penalty or any finding is made.

Information & Ethics committee  No, I didn't say that. I was making a suggestion in terms of the federal issue around rule 8 of the code of conduct, suggesting that a modest transparency requirement may address some of that problem. But there is no code of conduct in the B.C. law. We don't regulate political ac

Information & Ethics committee  The focus of our legislation is on transparency in lobbying activities, not public office holder activities. For a detailed answer to the question I'd like to turn it over to my colleague Jay Fedorak.

Information & Ethics committee  I believe that the other agents of Parliament—I could be wrong—have immunity against prosecution. It's logical. It makes sense.

Information & Ethics committee  I'm just going to add immunity. I think it's very important that the commissioner be protected from prosecution.

Information & Ethics committee  What should the ban be?

Information & Ethics committee  Unfortunately I haven't had experience with cooling-off periods. In B.C., we just have a very limited cooling-off period. I don't think I'm equipped to answer that question. We recently held a conference in Vancouver on lobbying. Everybody who attended—from academics to industry

Information & Ethics committee  In B.C., like Alberta, under the Members' Conflict of Interest Act, there is a one-year cooling-off period for ministers.

Information & Ethics committee  No, I don't believe so.

Information & Ethics committee  Like Alberta, I would refer certain files to the police for very egregious and serious issues such as someone who was obstructing us in our investigation, but I would reserve the right to issue penalties to such cases as the third time somebody has failed to register or the third

Information & Ethics committee  I'm suggesting that it's a modest fix to require lobbyists to register their political activities in support of an elected official. I realize that there is an array of activities—putting a sign on your lawn, attending a fundraising, sponsoring a fundraising dinner. I also know t

Information & Ethics committee  I can't speak to that; I don't know the details.

Information & Ethics committee  I think it's very important to have administrative penalties. It's also important that the investigation and administration of penalties stay within the commissioner's jurisdiction. As soon as she's required to pass on a file to another body, such as the RCMP, that file will be s

Information & Ethics committee  We don't have absolute evidence that the 70% increase is completely due to the existence of the power to issue penalties. We have also conducted extensive education. We've had a conference. We have newsletters. We have really tried to improve education and outreach and knowledge