Here’s the news we covered this week:

Lobbyists spoke with The Lobby Monitor about the federal government's Defence Policy Update: what they liked, what was missing, and the defence industry’s reaction to the plan. Neil Brodie, senior vice-president at Hill and Knowlton, told The Lobby Monitor that “while the industry may have wanted more from the policy update, they're just happy it's finally out.”

The Lobby Monitor spoke with NDP insider George Soule about his move into the consulting industry as a principal at Syntax Strategic. Soule said he is looking forward to the fast-paced environment that comes with his new role where he will help clients with lobbying MPs and navigating communication crises. “One of the things I liked the most when I was a press secretary [to former NDP party leader Jack Layton] was that every day there was a new fight, a new issue, a new thing to push,” said Soule. “In this new role, I get to do that same thing … everyday, you can work with a client who's in their ‘busy time.’”

In this week’s communication reports, the Canadian Cancer Society submitted the highest number of reports thanks to its April 9 lobby day. The organization, represented by its CEO Andrea Seale, submitted 51 communications to the federal lobbyists’ registry. The advocacy day focused on several issues including barriers to accessing cancer care, making the Caregiver Tax Credit refundable, and reducing the cost of cancer drugs, according to Helena Sonea, the group’s director of advocacy. A total of 2,811 reports overall were filed to the registry between May 13 and 20.

In this week’s registrations, Ionway, a Belgian company, is joining the federal lobbyists’ registry for the first time with the goal of securing a government contract to build an electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in New Brunswick. The company is represented by Gregory Lubar of JLL. Lubar wants to discuss government programs and policies that could support the development of the facility.

Also joining the registry for the first time is Project 8 Sports Inc., an organization focused on advancing and promoting women’s professional soccer in Canada, which is being represented by Don Moors and Caitlin Drouillard of Temple Scott Associates. The lobbyists plan to discuss the need to provide female athletes with employment benefits and government funding opportunities to address gender equity in professional sports.

In new registrations, Stephane Berimbere of Hill + Knowlton Strategies has registered to represent two companies–Rheinmetall Canada Inc. and Chorus Aviation Inc.–who both have an interest in government procurement.

New Registry

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on May 24, at 8:59a.m. E.T.

New Registration

Reactivation