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

With the federal election campaign in full swing, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole said his party’s promise to ban lobbying on matters under criminal investigation would prevent people “from using connections to get out of facing prosecution.” O’Toole began the fourth day of the campaign outlining his party’s proposed changes to ethics and lobbying laws. Under the proposals, released in the party’s platform on Aug. 16, individuals and entities would be banned from lobbying on a matter subject to a criminal proceeding, and every meeting between lobbyists and officials would need to be reported.

Two lobbying firms have boosted their senior ranks with former provincial government staffers. Brock Vandrick joined Wellington Dupont’s Toronto office as a senior vice-president earlier this month after 12 years working on Parliament Hill and at Queen’s Park, including in the office of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford. Meanwhile, McMillan Vantage Policy Group’s new principal Marcella Munro says knowing where the public stands has been an essential first step in her career, whether working as a journalist, communications manager, consultant, or government staffer.  

Economic development was the top subject in communication reports during July. With 1,687 communication reports logged, July was the quietest month so far this year, and slightly behind the 1,771 logged in July, 2021. Following behind the 305 reports related to economic development were environment (273) and industry (264).

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association filed 23 of the 578 communication reports logged last week. Represented on the registry in-house by its president, Ron Lemaire, the industry group advocating on behalf of those involved in marketing fresh fruits and vegetables discussed its election priorities with party leaders. The association communicated with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet on July 22. 

In new registrations, the Moose Hide Campaign Development Society started its first file on Aug. 8 with Catherine Drouillard and Joshua Matthewman of Temple Scott Associates. According to its file, the Victoria, B.C.-based organization is seeking increased funding to address growing demand for its advocacy work against gender-based and domestic violence in Canada. Drouillard and Matthewman will communicate with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Indigenous Services.

Also interested in discussing social welfare is Helpseeker Inc., which opened its first file on July 1. Represented in-house by its co-president and co-founder, Alina Turner, the company developed an app that connects individuals with nearby support services, including healthcare, shelters, food banks, and helplines. The company is interested in discussing the adoption of its app by refugee and immigrant settlement services. Turner will communicate with Immigration, Employment, Veterans Affairs, Women and Gender Equality, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 

Returning to the registry recently is Leo Pharma Inc., with Goncalo Goya, president and CEO of the company’s Canadian division, becoming active on the file on Aug. 16. The Danish pharmaceutical company is seeking to ensure “the Canadian life sciences ecosystem continues to grow”, according to its file. Goya will communicate with Health and Innovation.

New registry files

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on Aug. 20 at 9:00 a.m. ET

New registrations

Reactivations