In Lobby Monitor news this week…

Conservative ethics critic James Bezan wants the ethics commissioner to start an investigation into a contract provided by Global Affairs Canada to Toronto-based Pomp & Circumstance, a public relations firm. The company received $16,950 to provide media training to International Trade Minister Mary Ng. In a May 24 letter to Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion, Bezan argued that there is public evidence of the friendship between Ng and Alvaro, and alleged that Ng may have broken conflict of interest rules that prohibit public office holders from advancing the interests of their friends. 

Dying With Dignity Canada has a new government relations director in David Granovsky. Previously with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Granovsky is returning to government relations after focusing on media relations at the commission. He joined Dying With Dignity Canada in April, just as a special joint parliamentary committee began its review of legislation for medical assistance in dying. “I really enjoy influencing policy legislation, regulations, [and] obviously budgets when it comes to lobbying,” Granovsky said of his return to GR. “I just really enjoyed affecting change.” 

Canada’s farmers have been especially active in their advocacy, according to our weekly look at communication reports submitted to the federal lobbyists' registry. The two organizations that submitted the highest number of reports during the week of May 16 are the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (42 reports) and the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (22 reports). A total of 1,288 communications were submitted to the federal lobbyists’ registry that week. 

And in new registrations, a number of energy companies either signed up for the first time or strengthened their lobbying representation between May 24 and May 27. 

Checking in to the registry for its first appearance is Drax, a renewable energy company that has hired Alik Angaladian of Maple Leaf Strategies to connect with officials in multiple offices including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Environment and Innovation. Drax wants to discuss federal support for biomass and pellet sector development as a way to fight climate change, and policy and program recommendations related to the increased use of forest biomass in energy production. 

Also new to the registry is Nukik Corporation. The company has hired Dan Lovell and Ingrid Ravary-Konopka of Sussex Strategy Group to discuss repayable and non-repayable contributions towards the development of a hydro-fibre link, which is meant to bring clean energy and broadband service to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. Lobbying targets include the PMO, the Privy Council Office, Innovation and the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Returning to the registry after a five-year break is Northern Graphite Corporation. Graham Fox of Navigator Ltd. will represent the graphite producer in discussions regarding the development of a graphite mine and the construction of a downstream processing facility to produce anode, a material used in batteries and electric vehicles. Fox will connect with the PMO, Environment, Innovation, and Indigenous Services Canada in addition to MPs and senators.