Lobbyist Reporting

Communications by University employees with senior government officials (known as designated public office holders) may qualify as “lobbying” and therefore must be reported. The Lobbying Act requires the University to track lobbying communications and report them on a monthly basis.

What qualifies as lobbying communication?

Under the act, communication with a designated public office holder regarding:

• Making, developing or amending federal legislative proposals, bills or resolutions, regulations, policies or programs.
• The awarding of federal grants, contributions or other financial benefits.
• Arranging a meeting with a designated public office holder by a consultant lobbyist.

Who are considered lobbyists?

• An employee of an organization who, on behalf of their employer, communicates directly (i.e. in writing or orally) or indirectly (i.e. grass-roots communication) with a designated public office holder.
• A consultant who communicates on behalf of a client.

Who are designated public office holders?

• Ministers, Members of Parliament and Senators.
• Ministerial staff and staff working in the offices of the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons or Senate.
• Deputy Ministers and Chief Executives of departments and agencies.
• Associate Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister of departments and agencies, as well as those occupying positions of comparable rank.

What forms of communication are included?

• Communication methods include all forms of written, oral and grass-roots communication including phone, e-mail, mass mailing campaigns, advertisements, telephone, public demonstrations, web, and social media.

Failure to comply with the Lobbying Act may result in serious penalties. For further information on the lobbying requirements or to report a communication, please contact David Mullock, Government Relations Coordinator.