Here’s the news we covered this week:

Chris Dendys, executive director of Results Canada, spoke with The Lobby Monitor about how the organization was affected by the revised Lobbying Code of Conduct rules. Specifically, the updated definition of “gifts” has led the organization to halt all advocacy efforts involving sponsored travel for parliamentarians. “We would have led parliamentary delegations in the coming year, but all planning stopped and that won't happen,” said Dendys. “There's a lot [of events] happening globally, but now those are off the table.”

In weekly communication reports, la Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) registered the highest number of reports submitted between Dec. 18 and Dec. 31, 2023. The organization contributed 22 out of a total of 334 communication reports submitted during that period. The communications by FCFA, which represents French-speaking Canadians and Acadian communities outside of Quebec, were submitted by its executive director Alain Dupuis and board member Liane Roy, who represent the organization on the federal lobbyists’ registry.

In this week’s registrations, Yukon First Nations Wildfire (YFNW) is joining the federal lobbyists’ registry for the first time to engage officials from Natural Resources Canada about funding opportunities. Amos Westropp of Westropp Management Consulting Inc. is representing the organization on the federal registry. YFNW is a partnership between nine Yukon First Nations which provides emergency management and training services for member communities

Also joining for the first time is technology company RaceRocks 3D, which seeks to educate government officials about its digital training solutions for the aerospace and defence industry. Peter Studer and Dave Hatherall of CFN Consultants are representing the company on the registry. RaceRocks 3D offers virtual, augmented and extended reality simulations software which provide immersive training customized to the client.

In new registrations, National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada (NMMA), which represents the recreational boating industry, hired Jordan Paquet of Bluesky Strategy Group to represent the organization on the federal registry. Paquet will engage with officials on various issues related to the recreational boating industry including the group’s opposition to the federal government’s luxury tax on new boats whose value is higher than $250,000. He will also advocate for government funding and support for the sector.

And finally, the Ottawa Citizen reported on Jan. 4 that Canada’s first ethics commissioner, Mary Dawson, died of thyroid cancer on Dec. 24. She was 81. Dawson was more recently known as the federal ethics officer to hand down the first finding of non-compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2017 (Trudeau was also found in violation of the act by then-ethics commissioner Mario Dion in 2019). However, Dawson’s storied legal career with the Government of Canada began much earlier in 1970 as a drafter of legislation. Her words can be found in landmark pieces of legislation including the Constitution Act, 1982, and the Canada Health Act. For a more extensive look at Dawson’s personal and professional accomplishments, read the Citizen’s obituary, which is available online.

New Registry

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on Jan. 5 at 9:05 a.m. ET.

New Registration

Reactivation

Here’s the news we covered this week:

As 2023 comes to an end, The Lobby Monitor looks back at some of the year’s biggest shifts in the lobbying industry. The year saw the launch of new advocacy firms such as KAN Strategies and NorthStar Public Affairs. Other companies, including New West Public Affairs and Counsel Public Affairs, expanded through the opening of regional offices, introducing new services and building new teams.

In monthly communications, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Canadian Canola Growers Association, and Canadian Produce Marketing Association were November’s most active lobbyists thanks to their advocacy days on Parliament Hill. The month saw a total of 4,320 reports submitted to the federal lobbyists’ registry. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities brought municipal leaders from across Canada to the Hill to discuss the challenges their communities are facing, with a focus on housing affordability.

In the final On Queen Street of the year, The Lobby Monitor interviewed Vesna Sertić, a former staffer to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, about her new role as a senior consultant at Santis Health. Sertić said her job will have her assisting clients with navigating upcoming changes to Alberta Health Services. “Health care is an issue nationwide,” said Sertić. “I think with this reform, there are a lot of opportunities.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities was also the most active organization for the week of Dec. 11, as its Ottawa advocacy week led it to submit 98 communications. The organization, represented on the registry by its CEO Carole Saab, wants to see improved tools and investments from the federal government to address challenges that municipalities are facing. The federation is a national advocacy organization representing municipalities across the country on various key issues.

In this week’s registrations, AirBoss of America Corporation is joining the federal lobbyists’ registry for the first time as it is seeking discussions with government officials about the procurement of supplies and equipment for Ukraine. Sussex Strategy Group’s Devin McCarthy is representing the company. AirBoss Defence Group, the defence branch of AirBoss, offers products such as personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, and armored mine detection vehicles.

Another organization joining the federal registry for the first time is the Council for a Secure Canada, represented by its CEO Sheryl Saperia. The council will seek out discussions with MPs on two specific issues as outlined in its registry file: whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other groups should be designated as terrorist organizations; and the importance of Bill C-353, Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act, which was introduced by Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman. Secure Canada is an organization that was founded to combat terrorism, extremism, and related threats by advocating for laws, public policies, and alliances that strengthen Canada’s national security and democracy.

In new registrations, Catherine Guillemart has registered to represent Airbus Defence and Space Canada Inc. as its new head of public affairs. The company will advocate for the need to develop and fund a Canadian space strategy, according to Guillemart’s registry file. She will also engage government officials to seek out contract opportunities for Airbus to procure aircraft, satellite communication systems, and intelligence and cybersecurity solutions. Airbus Defence and Space, a division of European multinational company Airbus SE, focuses on the manufacturing of defence and aerospace products.

Dear readers, today is the final day of publishing for The Lobby Monitor in 2023. We will return with features and news about the industry on Jan. 3, 2024. Until then, happy holidays and thank you for reading! 

New Registry

Based on a search of the federal lobbyists' registry on Dec. 22 at 8:45 a.m. ET.

New Registration

Reactivation