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

Federal Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger submitted her proposed update to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct to the House ethics committee (also known as ETHI) on Nov. 15. The submission states that the code’s publication is currently targeted for December 2022, with the code planned to come into effect in January 2023, but that comments from ETHI “could impact the target dates.” In the submission, Bélanger said she will consider any comments received from the committee before the code is finalized and published in the Canada Gazette.

For its part, ETHI members agreed on Nov. 30 to invite Bélanger to appear before the committee to discuss the proposed changes “at the earliest opportunity.” The committee also agreed to write to Bélanger and ask that the process to update the code “not be further pursued” until her appearance before ETHI.

In other regulatory news, federal Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion has warned public office holders to be careful about the way they use their work titles on personal social media accounts. “Although a public office holder's position remains biographical information, they must ensure that when promoting a business, person or product, members of the public are able to recognize that such promotion is in a personal capacity, not as a public office holder,” Dion said. He made the comments in a report issued on Nov. 29, in response to a request for an investigation into an unnamed public servant’s social media use.

A panel of government relations professionals and Liberal MP Greg Fergus discussed  diversity in GR on Nov. 25. They say there is a general willingness to make improvements, but the sector must overcome inertia caused by uncertainty and a lack of understanding about the problem. Hosted by the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC) and moderated by Charelle Evelyn, managing editor of The Hill Times, the panel also featured Bunmi Adeoye, senior vice-president of Proof Strategies; Tiéoulé Traoré, head of government and regulatory affairs for Canada at IBM; and Lisa Kirbie, founder and CEO of Blackbird Strategies. The panel is part of a wider push by GRIC to examine equity, diversity and inclusion in government relations, with the goal of ensuring that the industry better reflects broader Canadian society.

In industry movements, PAA Advisory has added four new names to its Ottawa team this fall. Fernando Melo, Elizabeth Seip, and Matthew Larventz have joined the company since late September, while Kelsey DeGagné was brought on as a research adviser last month after interning at PAA since July. Meanwhile, Theophilos Argitis has left Bloomberg News to join Compass Rose, where he will guide the firm’s growth strategy as managing director, and Skye Scruton joined Sandstone Group last month as a government relations consultant.

World Animal Protection’s Canadian branch posted 14 of the 191 communication reports submitted to the federal lobbyists’ registry last week. The organization is listed on the registry under its former name, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is represented by Colin Saravanamuttoo, the executive director of the Canadian branch. All but two of the communications took place on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, when World Animal Protection visited Ottawa to meet with parliamentarians. It communicated on those days with Government House Leader Mark Holland; Yasir Naqvi, parliamentary secretary to Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair; Pam Damoff, parliamentary secretary to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino; Arif Virani, parliamentary secretary to International Trade Minister Mary Ng; and Conservative conservation critic Blaine Calkins.

In new registrations, Informed Opinions started its first file on Nov. 28, with consultant Mary Anne Carter of Earnscliffe Strategies. The organization provides a database of subject matter experts who are women or gender-diverse, and are available to speak with journalists. It also researches the ratio of women versus men being quoted in Canada’s most influential news outlets. According to its registry file, Informed Opinions wants to talk about systemic barriers impeding the progress and advancement of women, and to encourage women and girls to pursue leadership and decision-making positions. The organization also seeks to draw attention to the importance of action on gender parity in politics. Carter plans to communicate with the Prime Minister’s Office, Women and Gender Equality, and Elections Canada, as well as with MPs and senators.

Hala Systems is also new to the registry. The Lisbon, Portugal-based threat detection and prevention technology company started its first file on Nov. 7, with independent consultant Jae Kim. According to its registry file, Hala is seeking funding through Global Affairs Canada’s Peace and Security Operations Program for “civilian protection and war crime accountability in Ukraine.” Hala’s registry file states that it received $800,000 from Global Affairs Canada during the 2021-22 financial year. The company’s website says it has previously partnered with Global Affairs, as well as the foreign affairs departments of the U.K., Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Venture for Canada started its first file on Nov. 29, backdated to Nov. 1, with CEO Scott Stirrett. The non-profit educates young people about entrepreneurship, and connects them with startups and small businesses. The organization is seeking funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Pacific Economic Development Canada, and Prairies Economic Development Canada for the advancement of its fellowship program. In addition to the three regional development agencies, Stirrett also plans to communicate with Employment, and the Business Development Bank of Canada.

New registry files

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on Dec. 2 at 9:10 a.m. ET

New registrations

Reactivations