Integrity Commissioner Robert Marleau suggested updates to the city’s lobbying laws after investigating the practices of Sinking Ship Entertainment.

The investigation found Sinking Ship Entertainment failed to register as a lobbyist within the 15-day deadline during efforts to sell a playground conceptual design to the city. The company indicated it was unaware its communications with city staff counted as lobbying. Additionally, city councilors failed to advise the company about the need to register.

Marleau reluctantly gave Sinking Ship Entertainment permission to register its lobbying activity after the fact in order to achieve transparency.

Political contributions from corporations and unions may soon be prohibited in Ottawa, Canada’s municipal elections if City Councillor Tobi Nussbaum can convince the city to seek provincial approval for the ban. On March 25, Nussbaum informed the city council he will ask for debate on the issue at the next meeting on April 15. According to the Ottawa Sun, Mayor Jim Watson is against a prohibition on corporate and union contributions.

The Ottawa, Ontario ethics code is being evaluated today against the backdrop of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s recent public indulgences and transgressions. At an event being held at Carleton University titled “Could Rob Ford’s Antics Happen in Ottawa?” Mayor Jim Watson and Integrity Commissioner Robert Marleau will assess whether the city code helps earn the public trust.

According to the Ottawa Star, the discussion will include questions such as whether the ethics code goes beyond legal compliance to address ethical conduct, whether councillors are held accountable for ethical transgressions, and whether elected officials are treated differently than municipal employees.

Ford has received intense media scrutiny for admitting to smoking crack cocaine while holding the position of mayor, using lewd language when talking to the media, and engaging in public episodes of apparent drunkenness.