Here’s a look back at the news we covered this week:

The lines between health and business lobbying are becoming blurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Susanna Cluff-Clyburne, senior director of parliamentary affairs for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber sent a letter on May 11 to Health Minister Patty Hajdu, requesting that the federal government help businesses by developing educational materials about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Cluff-Clyburne said this is an example of how economic recovery and health concerns are intertwined.

The Canadian Association of Stand-up Comedians will lobby for inclusion of the comedy sector in phase two of emergency federal funding to support Canada’s arts and culture industry. Canadian Heritage announced more details on May 8 about a plan to divide $500 million to support arts and culture organizations. The first phase includes $72 million for the sport sector and $115.8 million for the audiovisual sector. The second phase will be divided based on an assessment of need. Sean Casey, the vice-president of cultural industries at Global Public Affairs, said he thinks it is likely more details about phase two will be released within the next two weeks.

The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying (OCL) is conducting a preliminary assessment of a complaint received from NDP MP Charlie Angus pertaining to whether or not former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton has broken any lobbying rules since joining the private sector. Angus submitted a letter to the OCL on May 8 raising concerns about MacNaughton’s interactions with the federal government as president of Palantir Canada, a company that specializes in big data analytics. MacNaughton said Palantir is working with the federal government on its COVID-19 response, as reported on April 30 by The Logic. Angus is concerned about these interactions because McNaughton is prohibited from lobbying for five years as a former designated public office holder. Palantir said in an email they consider the complaint to be without merit.

The subject of health featured prominently on the federal lobbyists’ registry last week, based on communication reports posted between May 4 and May 10. Precision Biomonitoring, a technology company seeking federal approval for its COVID-19 testing kits, posted 17 communication reports in that time frame. The company is represented on the registry by consultant Yash Dogra of National Public Relations. Following behind Precision Biomonitoring was Greenfield Global, which posted 14 communication reports. Greenfield is a major producer of ethanol and specialty alcohols for the renewable fuels industry, and is interested in discussing the Clean Air Act and its requirements for the inclusion of ethanol in motor fuels, according to the registry.

In new registrations, Angany, a pharmaceutical company in Quebec, started its first file on April 13, which was posted on May 13. The company has engaged consultant Nicolas Dalmau of Mercure Conseil to discuss the possibility of federal funding for COVID-19 vaccine development, according to the registry. Dalmau will communicate with Innovation, Health, the National Research Council, the Privy Council Office, and with MPs.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is new on the registry with a file started May 7 with consultant Raphael Brass of Bluesky Strategy Group. Brass’ colleagues, Tim Barber and Susan Smith, were added on May 11. The CHL is interested in federal funding to support its teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the registry. The three consultants will communicate with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Canadian Heritage, Finance, Innovation, and with MPs.

Invest Ottawa, an economic development agency, started its first file on May 12 with its CEO, Michael Tremblay, listed as the senior officer. The agency is interested in discussing economic strategies to support businesses during the pandemic, according to the registry. Invest Ottawa would also like to discuss possible federal funding to support tech-based business start-ups in Ottawa. Tremblay will communicate with the PMO, the National Research Council and Global Affairs.
 

New registry files

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on May 15 at 9:15 a.m.

New registrations

Reactivations