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

Paul Deegan has been named the new president of News Media Canada. Deegan’s new role as the head of the association, which represents more than 830 community newspapers across Canada, follows roles in government and public relations at Canadian National (CN) Railway and BMO Financial Group. He also worked for the administration of former U.S. president Bill Clinton, as deputy executive director of the White House’s national economic council. Deegan says he will advocate that the federal government support news organizations facing declines in online revenue. 

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) led in communication reports last week, contributing 45 of the 1,928 reports filed between July 12 and July 18. The CVA, represented on the federal lobbyists’ registry by its executive director Darryl Tempest, is lobbying against proposed restrictions on flavoured vaping products. The association communicated with Small Business Minister Mary Ng and Associate Finance Minister Mona Fortier on June 16, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on June 23, and International Development Minister Karina Gould on June 8. 

The CVA also topped federal lobbying activities for the third consecutive month in June. The CVA’s activities accounted for 49 of the total 382 reports that listed “health” as a topic last month, which fell to third place after dominating discussions in April and May. Economic development (433) and the environment (390) were the most popular subjects in June reports. Other organizations active last month were GNL Québec, with 38 reports, and the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) with 30 each.

Jennifer Espey, the co-founder of The Gandalf Group and principal researcher to then-Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, has joined McMillan Vantage Policy Group to develop a new research offering at the firm. Espey has more than 25 years of experience in research and communications, working on federal and provincial election campaigns for the Liberals, and for clients such as the Law Society of Upper Canada and Climate Action Network. She says modern public affairs is impossible without extensive research. “What I tell clients is there’s no such thing as a neutral action or a neutral communication,” she said. “What you want to do is research first to understand how to ensure your communications and your actions are building support for your initiative, rather than opposition.”

In new registrations, ​​International SOS started its first file on July 21 with Gordon Quaiattini of Maple Leaf Strategies. The company, which focuses on health-related solutions in developing countries, is interested in discussing ways to support the federal government’s efforts to distribute surplus vaccines globally. Quaiattini will speak to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Privy Council Office (PCO), Health, National Defence, Indigenous Services, and MPs.

Also interested in discussing COVID-19 is Coach Canada, a Coach USA subsidiary that operates sightseeing, charter, and intercity services through Ontario and Quebec. The company started its first file on July 12 with Jerry Khouri of Pathway Group. Under the Megabus brand, Coach Canada has opened new routes across Southern and Eastern Ontario over the past two months, after Greyhound Canada permanently ended all services across the country on May 13. According to its file, the Peterborough, Ont.-based company is interested in discussing its current services, the impact of COVID-19, and potential partnerships with the government to “help them reach their transit goals.” Khouri will communicate with Transport and Innovation.

Returning to the registry recently is Canadian Foundry Association (CFA), with executive director Fiona Cook becoming active on the file on June 22. The industry association, which represents metal casters that operate more than 55 plants across the country, states through its file that it is seeking to ensure that copper and zinc are not declared toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Cook will communicate with Employment.

New registry files

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on July 23 at 9:00 a.m. ET

New registrations

Reactivations