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

Andrew Sennyah, a former staffer to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, joined the Calgary office of Counsel Public Affairs as a consultant on Sept. 8. Sennya’s work with Counsel will include assisting clients navigating the challenges facing the oil and natural gas sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously worked as an outreach co-ordinator for Kenney between 2018 and 2019, and also served as an intern while Kenney was the federal minister of National Defence and minister of Multiculturalism during the government of former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper.

New Conservative leader Erin O’Toole having named former leader Andrew Scheer to his shadow cabinet as Infrastructure critic could indicate O’Toole’s desire to show support for the oil and gas sector during economic recovery efforts, according to some lobbyists. Adam Yahn, a senior consultant at Summa Strategies, said that Scheer’s status as a Saskatchewan MP could make him a good choice as someone who can advocate for western Canadians and the energy sector. The choice of Michelle Rempel Garner as health critic would indicate an intention to challenge the Liberal government more often on issues related to the pandemic because of her reputation as a strong communicator, according to Yahn.

Precision Biomonitoring posted 28 communication reports last week. The company, based in Ontario, received authorization from Health Canada to import and sell a COVID-19 testing kit from the U.S. in July. The company is seeking approval for the testing kits to be manufactured in Ontario. The company contacted four staffers from the Prime Minister’s Office, including Rick Theis, director of policy and cabinet affairs, on Aug. 12 and Aug. 24. AdTrack Media, a technology and digital media company based in B.C., posted nine communication reports. The company is interested in funding from the federal government so it may roll out new products, such as video advertising in subways in new cities, the registry shows.

In new registry files, Owl Child Services of Ontario started its first file on Sept. 8 with consultant Rob Leone of Earnscliffe Strategy Group. The organization is interested in obtaining federal funds to support child-care operators, and is advocating for a universal child care plan to make child care more affordable for families, the registry shows. Leone will communicate with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat, and Employment and Social Development Canada.

Also on Sept. 8, Citizen Care Pods Corporation, started its first registry file with consultant Ian Chesney of Santis Health. The corporation is interested in pursuing a contract with the federal government to supply its citizen care pods, which are mobile screening and testing service for COVID-19 created out of retrofitted shipping containers. The company has also developed an “education pod,” which is a portable classroom equipped with safety features such as particulate air filters, UV LED disinfection lights, and built-in hand sanitizer stations. Chesney will communicate with the PMO, Health, Transport, the Privy Council Office, Public Services and Procurement Canada, as well as MPs.

Quebec pharmaceutical company Biodextris started its first file with consultant Brandon Pelletier-Gannon of Mercury Consulting Group on May 28, which was posted on Sept. 10. The company is interested in financial support from the federal government for the development of a vaccine, or therapeutic solutions, for COVID-19, according to the registry. Pelletier-Gannon will communicate with Innovation and MPs.
 

New registry files

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on Sept. 11 at 9:15 a.m.
 

New registrations

Reactivations