Information & Ethics committee  That's another problem. That's an act issue. If there's unregistered lobbying happening, it's under the act and it's an offence. That would have to be referred to the RCMP. If they're registered to lobby and they breach the code of conduct, then I can complete that investigation

Information & Ethics committee  Yes. All the statistics in all areas have increased. So our office is very active and we have a very hard-working team. We've had a lot of requests to interpret the new code, especially requests for exemptions for gifts and hospitality. It's kept us very busy. So, it's going well

Information & Ethics committee  I think so. In July, it's going to be a year since it's been in effect and I haven't really received any complaints. You may have heard some, but I haven't.

Information & Ethics committee  No, there haven't been any, unless you're talking about compliance complaints.

Information & Ethics committee  In that case, yes, I am looking into some.

Information & Ethics committee  As far as code compliance is concerned, I probably have fewer than five files. It's mostly allegations of unregistered lobbying that I receive or see in the public domain.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes, they are.

Information & Ethics committee  Last year, I sent them two, and I've sent them fifteen since I became commissioner. It depends on the case; I don't make them up. If I have reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has taken place—the threshold is quite low—I forward the file to the RCMP.

Information & Ethics committee  We always have about 30 files to review, on average.

Information & Ethics committee  I wouldn't say I have enough to do it to my satisfaction, because I'm someone who would like to do a lot more. However, I only have 30 employees, even though I have enough money to have 37. We're in the process of staffing up, but it's hard to find people who have the skills to c

Information & Ethics committee  It's different. It's a decision that's made just like for any other department.

Information & Ethics committee  No, absolutely not.

Information & Ethics committee  Because it affects the independence of officers of Parliament. In my case, it's not a big deal, because I don't regulate government departments, I regulate lobbyists. On the other hand, in the case of those who regulate departments, investigate them and then have to ask them for

Information & Ethics committee  I believe they are known. When I look at statistics, I believe that for the most part, yes, they are being respected.

Information & Ethics committee  I certainly wouldn't accept that as an excuse for circumventing the rules.