What Is Required In The Lobbying Activity Section Of The Registration Form
You are required to provide a complete description of your lobbying activities. Your statements must be clear and concise so that the public can easily identify and understand your lobbying goals.
The purpose of the Lobbyists Registry is to provide openness and transparency to the public with respect to who is lobbying the Ontario government and about what. This is legislated under the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998.
What Happens If An In
The senior officer is responsible for notifying the registrar of any in-house lobbyist who has been identified in a previous return that has ceased to be an in-house lobbyist or ceases to be employed by the organization. If an in-house lobbyist is no longer associated with a specific lobbying activity but continues as an in-house lobbyist working on a new lobbying activity for the organization then the senior officer is responsible for recording this information in the lobbyist registry as well.
Grasstops Or Direct Lobbying
Grasstops advocacy involves enlisting the help of individuals who have established relationships with the decision-makers you are targeting. These individual lobbyists take the effort to have direct meetings with lawmakers with the goal of influencing them to vote in a certain way.
Note that in the context of corporations, grasstops advocacy is most commonly referred to as direct lobbying.
Examples of this might be industry lobbyists, political donors, current and former leaders of the decision-makers political party, or other influential people meeting lawmakers to influence change.
A fairly recent example of grasstops advocacy would be comedian Jon Stewart spearheading the passage of the 9/11 first responders bill.
In a well-publicized and emotional campaign, he joined the voices of hundreds of first responders to convince congress to vote to extend medical funding for the victims of 9/11. The new legislation extended the life of the fund through to year 2090
Grasstops advocates reach out to the targeted decision-makers in a number of ways, like in-person meetings, and emails/letters.
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Lobbying Disclosure Act Of 1995
By rule of law, the Lobbying Disclosure Act also provides for the legality of political lobbying. Concerning both the legislative and executive branches of the government, this act defines what constitutes a lobbyist and her required government registration, what lobbyist actions consist of, and how lobbyists must comply in order to avoid penalties. The Lobbying Disclosure Act was enacted to ensure that lobbying is publicly registered. While acknowledging the importance of lobbying, the act allows the public to evaluate any undue influences that may be affecting decision making in the government.
Educational Function Of Lobbying
Citing once again the over 10,000 bills presented to Congress over a two year period, and understanding that this is simply one example of a government being tasked with a tremendous amount of legislative material, it is very easy to appreciate that no one person in government can be an expert in everything.
Lobbying helps to cover any gaps in knowledge. With each issue brought to legislative attention, lobbyists present research and facts about their issue and then try and persuade the government into action. Lobbyists additionally will bring the best, most thorough knowledge and expertise to an issue, as the issue they lobby for is their sole interest and reason for employment. Policy decisions made with the best possible information are a benefit to both lobbying groups and a legislatures constituents on the whole.
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Lobbying Is Neither Bribery Nor Power In The Shadows
Lobbying in Spain is still synonymous with power in the shadows. This is partly due to the bad image conveyed by Hollywood regarding simple dialogues between sectors of civil society with legislators and governors.
Researchers at Harvard University, came to the conclusion that lobbying is not bribery, after having investigated lobbyists for almost a year. They summarized what makes lobbyists so influential in two sentences:
Contrary to public misconception, the daily life of firmlobbyists is not filled with glamorous parties and smoke-filled backrooms politicking where lobbyists engage in quid pro quo transactions of money for policy. Rather, these firm lobbyists focus their professional attention on honing the fine art of building relationships, primarily with members of Congress and their staffs, but also with potential clients, coalitions and other individuals and organizations related to their clients and issue areas.
Instead, they concluded that lobbyists gain influence by building and maintaining relationships with legislators and their staff members. Thus, they could use these relationships to influence said legislators to support issues of interest and of importance to them.
Lobbying can therefore be understood as an activity wherein the aim is to improve political decisions through the realistic perceptions of companies, associations or groups of citizens.
Why Is Lobbying Important
Lobbying is an important lever for a productive government. Without it, governments would struggle to sort out the many, many competing interests of its citizens. Fortunately, lobbying provides access to government legislators, acts as an educational tool, and allows individual interests to gain power in numbers.
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What Will Not Be Accepted In The Lobbying Activity Section Of The Registration Form
Covering the waterfront
Registrations will be refused if they outline lobbying activities that cover any and all possible outcomes, contain provisos such as include but are not limited to and list all MPPs, ministers offices, ministries and/or agencies that one might contact.
A registration that covers all possible outcomes is insufficient unless it also clearly states the current lobbying goal or intended outcome.
Portrayal In The Media
Lobbyists have long been painted in a negative light because of their influence over policymakers.
In 1869, a newspaper described a Capitol lobbyist this way:
Winding in and out through the long, devious basement passage, crawling through the corridors, trailing its slimy length from gallery to committee room, at last it lies stretched at full length on the floor of Congressthis dazzling reptile, this huge, scaly serpent of the lobby.”
The late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia described what he saw as the problem with lobbyists and the practice itself:
“Special interest groups often wield an influence that is greatly out of proportion to their representation in the general population. This type of lobbying, in other words, is not exactly an equal opportunity activity. One-person, one-vote does not apply when the great body of citizens is under-represented in the halls of Congress compared to the well-financed, highly organized special interest groups, notwithstanding the often plausible objectives of such groups.”
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Do Lobbyists Do Any Good
Former President John F. Kennedy described the work of lobbyists in a positive light, saying they are “expert technicians capable of examining complex and difficult subjects in clear, understandable fashion.”
Added Kennedy:
Because our congressional representation is based upon geographical boundaries, the lobbyists who speak for the various economic, commercial and other functional interests of the country serve a useful purpose and have assumed an important role in the legislative process.”
Kennedy’s ringing endorsement is just one voice in the ongoing debate about the perhaps undue influence wrought by monied interests. It’s a contentious debate, contentious as democracy itself since lobbyists play such a central role in the forging of policy and expression of varied groups’ interests.
Is There A Solution To Americas Lobbying Problem
In cities and states across the country, citizens are using a piece of model legislation called the American Anti-Corruption Act to root out conflicts of interest and corruption where they live. Time and again, history has seen laws passed at the city and state level make it all the way to Washington and turn into federal law.
Local Anti-Corruption Acts and Resolutions build momentum towards national reform, since politicians running an anti-corruption platform seed Congress with representatives, not pre-purchased by special interests.
The American Anti-Corruption Act enacts a broad base of reforms to put the kibosh on conflicts of interest, including provisions that:
- Limit lobbyist donations and stop lobbyist-sponsored fundraising.
- Close The Revolving Door.
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Lobbying Activity Must Be Regularly Reviewed And Updated
Any changes to your lobbying activities, your lobbying targets or any other information contained in the registration must be disclosed within 30 days by filing a notice of change. You may do this by selecting Change an existing registration when logged in.
It is essential that all lobbyists understand their obligation to keep their registrations up to date. When activity changes, the registration must be reviewed and updated.
Lobbyist Registration And Returns Under The Lobbying Act
The Lobbying Act divides lobbyists into two categories: consultant lobbyists and in-house lobbyists . In-house lobbyists are divided into corporations and organizations .
Certain individuals are not considered lobbyists under the Act. They include members of provincial, municipalandIndigenous governments and their staff-members as well as diplomatic,consular, and foreign representatives or members, officials, or representatives of the United Nations. Private citizens and volunteers are not considered lobbyists under the Act.
Consultant lobbyists are required to register with the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying within 10 days of being retained as a lobbyist for a particular client. In-house lobbyists must register within two months of the beginning of their lobbyingactivities. All lobbyists must file monthly reports of their lobbying activities. These reports must include the public office holder contacted the dates of the contact and the subject matter discussed. Lobbyists are required to explain the natureof their lobbying for a client in their registration. They are also required to disclose any public offices they have previously held.
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Bribery Vs Lobbying: An Overview
Bribery and lobbying are often conjoined in the public mind: Critics of lobbying suggest that it’s bribery in a suit. While both seek a favorable outcome, the two remain distinct practices. Bribery is considered an effort to buy power paying to guarantee a certain result lobbying is considered an effort to influence power, often by offering contributions. The main difference is bribery is considered illegal, while lobbying is not.
What Are The Penalties For Violations
A person committing an offence under the Lobbyist Registration Act can be prosecuted. The penalty for a first offence is a fine of no more than $25,000 the penalty for second and subsequent offences is a fine of no more than $100,000. Where a person is found guilty of an offence, the court may also confiscate the improperly-obtained proceeds of lobbying and direct that those proceeds be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
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The Role Of Public Affairs In Government Relations
At the heart of government relations is the education of policymakers about innovative technological developments and business solutions or services that may have a positive impact on public programming if procured and successfully implemented by government authorities. Assessing the risks versus the benefits of these business initiatives and understanding what impact they may have on existing or proposed legislation or regulations, and what this might mean for both policy and decision-makers is its fundamental purpose.
Compliance Does Not Always Require Registration
Not all lobbying activity requires registration. For example:
- Corporations and not-for-profit organizations may conduct some lobbying activities and not be required to file a registration if the cumulative lobbying activities of all employees do not constitute 20% or more of one person’s duties over a period of a month.
- Volunteers are not required to register as they are not paid to communicate with public office holders.
- Citizens may communicate with government officials on their own behalf without being required to register.
- Certain communications with public office holders, such as a request for information, the interpretation of a Canadian law, and an oral or a written submission to a parliamentary committee, do not require a registration.
- Certain individuals, such as members of other levels of government, members of an aboriginal government or band council, and diplomatic officials, are exempted from registration.
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What Contacts With Government Representatives Are Not Considered Lobbying
Not all communication with a public office holder is considered lobbying under the Act. For example, when the government issues written requests for comment on an issue, the responses are not considered to be lobbying that must be registered or reported.
Other examples of communication with a public office holder that does not requireregistration or reporting under a Lobbyist Registration Act include:
- submissions to Members of the House of Assembly or St. Johns Municipal councillors, in their official capacities as MHAs or councillors, by or on behalf of their constituents
- on-the-record submissions to a committee of the House of Assembly or to any body or person with jurisdiction under a given piece of legislation
- submissions to a public office holder about enforcement, interpretation or application of an Act or regulations, or administration of a policy, program, directive or guideline with respect to the person, partnership or organization being represented
- communication by a trade union regarding administration or negotiation of a collective agreement
- communication by a trade union representing a member or former member who is or was employed in the public service
- communication by an unpaid member of a voluntary organization, about an issue of concern to that organization.
How Much Does Lobbying Cost
Every year, corporations spend over 3 billion dollars recruiting lobbyists to influence congress. The top industries in lobbying in terms of money spent are:
- Pharmaceutical
- Oil and gas
- Electric utilities
- Securities and investment
Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups also lobby in the form of more cost-efficient methods such as grassroots advocacy.
While corporations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups can engage in lobbying at various levels, the actual process of making connections and building relationships with lawmakers to ensure successful lobbying is done by individual lobbyists.
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What Qualifies An Employee As An In
An in-house lobbyist is an employee whose lobbying activity on behalf of the employer organization amounts to 20 per cent of one staff members full-time work as assessed over a three-month period. This applies to both individual employees and groups of employees conducting lobbying activities. For example, given a five-day workweek, an employee or group would qualify as an inhouse lobbyist by spending 12 working days on lobbying activity over a three-month period two employees working six days each would meet this requirement.
What Exactly Is Lobbying
Lobbying is communicating with a public office holder in an attempt to influence government policy or program decisions, including:
- the development, introduction, passage, defeat, amendment or repeal of any legislation, bill, resolution, rule, regulation or a by-law
- the development, amendment or termination of any policy or program of Government or a public body or by the City of St. Johns or its controlled entities
- a decision about privatization or outsourcing
- the awarding of any contract, grant, contribution or other financial benefit by or on behalf of the Crown or the City of St. Johns or its controlled entities
- arranging a meeting between a public office holder and any other person
- the procurement of goods and services
- the terms of a tender or request for proposals or other procurement solicitation prior to the awarding of that tender or the acceptance of the request for proposals or other procurement solicitation
- the terms of a contract, the choice of a contractor, or the administration, implementation or enforcement of a contract, or
- the appointment of any public official.
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What Is The Difference Between A Gift And A Bribe
The primary difference between a gift and a bribe is that a gift comes with no expectations, meaning, no strings attached. A gift is given freely out of goodwill as opposed to with the intention of receiving something in return to better the position of the giver. Often, a bribe can be directly related to some future action whereas a gift, not necessarily so.
What Are Lobbyists And What Do They Do
We can define lobbyists as individuals that work to influence policy on behalf of other individuals, or more commonly, organizations.
Lobbyists typically have a deep understanding of how the legislative process of the body of government they are trying to influence works. They also have knowledge of the cause they are lobbying for.
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The Lobbyists’ Code Of Conduct
Four overriding principles in the Code require lobbyists to demonstrate respect for democratic institutions to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty to be open and frank about their lobbying activities and to observe the highest professional and ethical standards. Under the Code, lobbyists are also required to follow ten rules regarding their conduct.
Two Types Of Lobbyists Consultants And In
Generally speaking, consultant lobbyists are employed by firms that have a specialty in government relations. Consultant lobbyists are required to register all of their lobbying activities. Some consultant lobbyists are self-employed but most are active in the fields of government relations, law, accounting or strategic advice.
In-house lobbyists communicate with public office holders on behalf of the corporation or the organization which employs them. Registration is required when one or more of the employees communicate with public office holders regarding certain subjects and that those duties constitute a significant part of the duties of one employee.
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When Does A Consultant Lobbyist Have To Register
A consultant lobbyist has to register within 10 days of beginning an undertaking. Each undertaking has to be registered separately. Consultant lobbyists who are actively lobbying at the time the legislation comes into force must register within 10 days and must report their lobbying activities from January 1, 2005.
Consultant lobbyists who are actively lobbying at the time the legislation comes into force must register within 10 days and are required to report their lobbying activities from January 1, 2005.
Lobbying the City of St. Johns or its Controlled Entities
Effective January 1, 2009 a consultant lobbyist who lobbies the City of St. Johns or its controlled entities must register within 10 days from January 1, 2009 a new lobbying activity or amend an existing related registration.
