April 6, 2018 •
Bill Introduced to Amend Ethics Law for Inquiries into MNAs in National Assembly of Quebec
A bill was introduced in the National Assembly of Quebec to amend the legislature’s ethics law. The amendments to the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the Members of the National Assembly (MNA) (chapter C-23.1) would provide an Ethics Commissioner […]
A bill was introduced in the National Assembly of Quebec to amend the legislature’s ethics law. The amendments to the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the Members of the National Assembly (MNA) (chapter C-23.1) would provide an Ethics Commissioner inquiry report be produced within 90 days of the date on which an inquiry began, with allowances for extensions.
The bill also entitles a lawmaker who is the subject of an inquiry report to request a review committee be established to examine the report before it is tabled in the National Assembly. The review committee, which would be composed of three persons and chaired by a Court of Appeal judge designated by that court’s chief judge, could approve or revise the inquiry report.
The private bill, which was introduced on March 21 by MNA Claude Surprenant, an Independent representing the provincial electoral district of Groulx in the Laurentides region of Quebec, also mandates the committee must hear from both the investigated member and from the ethics commissioner. The bill also establishes the procedure for tabling the review report in the National Assembly.
March 5, 2018 •
By-Election for Manitoba MLA St. Boniface’s Constituency by September
On March 7, former Manitoba premier Greg Selinger will officially resign from provincial politics. Selinger announced his resignation amid allegations of MLA Stan Struthers’s inappropriate behavior while Selinger was leader of the party. A special by-election for Selinger’s St. Boniface […]
On March 7, former Manitoba premier Greg Selinger will officially resign from provincial politics. Selinger announced his resignation amid allegations of MLA Stan Struthers’s inappropriate behavior while Selinger was leader of the party.
A special by-election for Selinger’s St. Boniface constituency MLA seat will be called by Premier Brian Pallister in the next six months, as required by law. Pallister will not commit to calling the by-election before summer, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.
Pictured: Former Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger
February 9, 2018 •
Coming into Force in 2018: Prince Edward Island Lobbying Law
2018 will bring lobbying laws to Prince Edward Island, the only remaining province in Canada without them. Bill No. 24, the Lobbyist Registration Act, was passed during the Third Session of the 65th General Assembly of the Prince Edward Island […]
2018 will bring lobbying laws to Prince Edward Island, the only remaining province in Canada without them.
Bill No. 24, the Lobbyist Registration Act, was passed during the Third Session of the 65th General Assembly of the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly and has already received Royal Assent. This Act will come into force on a date fixed by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, which historically takes several months in order for the province to set up an Office of the Lobbyist Registrar.
Upon the Act coming into force, consultant lobbyists, in-house lobbyists, and employers of in-house lobbyists will be required to register with the Registrar when communicating with a public office holder, directly or through grassroots communications, in an attempt to influence them on a variety of issues.
Additionally, a consultant lobbyist will be required to register when communicating with a public-office holder to influence the awarding of any contract by or on behalf of the Crown or arrange a meeting between a public-office holder and any other person. Registrants will be required to file returns with this Registrar every six months detailing any relevant subject matters lobbied, including legislative and regulatory proposals, the techniques of communication the lobbyist has used or expects to use to lobby, the employer or client for which the registrant is lobbying, and the identification of entities or persons paying more than $750 per fiscal year to the registrant to lobby.
Lobbying on a contingency fee basis is prohibited for consultant lobbyists and former public office holders are prohibited from lobbying for a period of six months after leaving office. Penalties for violations of the Act include fines up to $25,000.
Canada’s three territories still do not have laws regulating lobbying.
January 18, 2018 •
February 14 By-election for Kelowna West Seat in BC Legislative Assembly
On February 14, a by-election will be held for Kelowna West electoral district seat of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The seat has remained vacant since August 4 of last year when MLA Christy Clark resigned to leave politics […]
On February 14, a by-election will be held for Kelowna West electoral district seat of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
The seat has remained vacant since August 4 of last year when MLA Christy Clark resigned to leave politics after leading the British Columbia Liberal Party from 2011 to 2017.
Premier John Horgan announced the date for the special election on January 17.
December 14, 2017 •
Member Lobbying Prohibition Bill Introduced in New Brunswick, Canada
On December 13, a bill was entered in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick prohibiting sitting lawmakers from engaging in lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere during and for 12 months after their tenure in office. Additionally, after a member […]
On December 13, a bill was entered in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick prohibiting sitting lawmakers from engaging in lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere during and for 12 months after their tenure in office.
Additionally, after a member is first sworn in, the member would be prohibited from being employed in or entering into a personal service contract with a business or organization engaging in lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere. The prohibition to lobbying for the 12 months after leaving office applies to “lobbying in New Brunswick or elsewhere in relation to a matter having a real and substantial connection to New Brunswick.”
Bill 38, An Act to Amend the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, also creates a detailed definition of lobbying, which includes communications with public office holders in attempts to influence legislative proposals, public bills, grants, and other matters, arranging meetings between public office holders of any jurisdiction and another person, and communicating with public office holders in an attempt to influence the awarding of government contracts.
December 11, 2017 •
By-Election to be Held for Chicoutimi–Le Fjord (Quebec) Seat of Canadian House of Commons
On December 5, Elections Canada announced a by-election for the House of Commons will be held for the seat for Chicoutimi–Le Fjord (Quebec). The seat was vacated by MP Denis Lemieux, who announced his plan to resign in November for […]
On December 5, Elections Canada announced a by-election for the House of Commons will be held for the seat for Chicoutimi–Le Fjord (Quebec). The seat was vacated by MP Denis Lemieux, who announced his plan to resign in November for family reasons.
On December 4, Stéphane Perrault, Acting Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, received official notice from the Speaker of the House of Commons that the seat was vacant. Canadian law requires the date of this by-election be announced between December 15, 2017, and June 2, 2018, which will signal the start of the by-election period.
December 1, 2017 •
Nancy Bélanger Nominated as Canada’s Commissioner of Lobbying
On November 30, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the nomination of Nancy Bélanger as the next Commissioner of Lobbying. Bélanger, if approved by the House of Commons and the Senate, will replace Karen Shepherd as the head of The Office […]
On November 30, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the nomination of Nancy Bélanger as the next Commissioner of Lobbying.
Bélanger, if approved by the House of Commons and the Senate, will replace Karen Shepherd as the head of The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying. Shepard currently occupies the position through term extensions following the expiration of Shepard’s seven-year term in June 2016.
Bélanger’s has previously held the position of General Counsel for the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.
November 27, 2017 •
5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Commenced November 21
On November 21, the first sitting day of the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, all members of the legislature were sworn in, followed by formal confirmations of the appointments of the new speaker, premier, and Executive Council. On November 17, […]
On November 21, the first sitting day of the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, all members of the legislature were sworn in, followed by formal confirmations of the appointments of the new speaker, premier, and Executive Council.
On November 17, the Nunavut Leadership Forum, which consists of all MLAs, had acclaimed Joe Enook, MLA for Tununiq, as speaker and elected Paul Quassa, MLA for Aggu, as premier. On the same day, the following MLAs were elected to the Executive Council: David Akeeagok, Pat Angnakak, Jeannie Ehaloak, David Joanasie, Lorne Kusugak, Joe Savikataaq and Elisapee Sheutiapik.
The premier has the prerogative to assign ministerial portfolios.
November 16, 2017 •
2017 Nunavut Leadership Forum To Meet on November 17
On November 17, the 2017 Nunavut Leadership Forum will meet to select the speaker, premier, and members of the Executive Council. The selection will be made by secret ballot by all 22 Nunavut Legislative Assembly Members (MLAs), who were all […]
On November 17, the 2017 Nunavut Leadership Forum will meet to select the speaker, premier, and members of the Executive Council. The selection will be made by secret ballot by all 22 Nunavut Legislative Assembly Members (MLAs), who were all recently elected this fall.
A vote for the speaker will be the first order of business, according to a press release by the Legislative Assembly’s Caucus. The Speaker-Elect will preside over the remainder of the proceedings, beginning with the election of the premier. Nominated candidates will be permitted to deliver formal speeches and MLAs who are not candidates will be permitted to ask questions.
The forum will be held in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly, will be open to the public to observe from the Visitors’ Gallery, and will be televised live across the territory on local community cable stations and direct-to-home satellite services. The caucus has decided the Executive Council, also called the Cabinet, will consist of eight members (the premier and seven ministers).
The Legislative Assembly’s Caucus announced the date and format for the forum on November 14. The swearing-in ceremony for MLAs and the confirmations of the appointments will take place on November 21, the first sitting day of the 5th Legislative Assembly.
November 16, 2017 •
2017 Nunavut Leadership Forum To Meet on November 17
On November 17, the 2017 Nunavut Leadership Forum will meet to select the speaker, premier, and members of the Executive Council. The selection will be made by secret ballot by all 22 Nunavut Legislative Assembly Members (MLAs), who were all […]
On November 17, the 2017 Nunavut Leadership Forum will meet to select the speaker, premier, and members of the Executive Council. The selection will be made by secret ballot by all 22 Nunavut Legislative Assembly Members (MLAs), who were all recently elected this fall.
A vote for the speaker will be the first order of business, according to a press release by the Legislative Assembly’s Caucus. The Speaker-Elect will preside over the remainder of the proceedings, beginning with the election of the premier. Nominated candidates will be permitted to deliver formal speeches and MLAs who are not candidates will be permitted to ask questions.
The forum will be held in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly, will be open to the public to observe from the Visitors’ Gallery, and will be televised live across the territory on local community cable stations and direct-to-home satellite services. The caucus has decided the Executive Council, also called the Cabinet, will consist of eight members (the premier and seven ministers).
The Legislative Assembly’s Caucus announced the date and format for the forum on November 14. The swearing-in ceremony for MLAs and the confirmations of the appointments will take place on November 21, the first sitting day of the 5th Legislative Assembly.
November 6, 2017 •
Four Federal By-Elections to be Held December 11
On November 5, Elections Canada announced several by-elections for the House of Commons will be held on December 11. The federal by-elections will be held for the electoral districts of Battlefords–Lloydminster (Saskatchewan), Bonavista–Burin–Trinity (Newfoundland and Labrador), Scarborough–Agincourt (Ontario), and South […]
On November 5, Elections Canada announced several by-elections for the House of Commons will be held on December 11. The federal by-elections will be held for the electoral districts of Battlefords–Lloydminster (Saskatchewan), Bonavista–Burin–Trinity (Newfoundland and Labrador), Scarborough–Agincourt (Ontario), and South Surrey–White Rock (British Columbia) to fill vacancies in the House of Commons.
Battlefords–Lloydminster (Saskatchewan) MP Gerry Ritz resigned on August 31 in order to retire from politics.
Bonavista–Burin–Trinity (Newfoundland and Labrador) MP Judy Foote resigned Bonavista-Burin-Trinity in September. Foote has been on leave since April for personal family medical reasons. In August, she had resigned her position as Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
The seat for Scarborough–Agincourt (Ontario) became vacant on September 14 when MP Arnold Chan died at the age of 50 of cancer after a three-year battle.
South Surrey–White Rock (British Columbia) MP Dianne Watts resigned to run for the provincial Liberal leadership.
October 31, 2017 •
Bill Introduced Banning Corporate Contributions in British Columbia’s Municipal Elections
On October 30, a bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia banning corporate and union political contributions for local elections in the Canadian province. Bill 15, Local Elections Campaign Financing Amendment Act, 2017, was introduced by Municipal […]
On October 30, a bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia banning corporate and union political contributions for local elections in the Canadian province. Bill 15, Local Elections Campaign Financing Amendment Act, 2017, was introduced by Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson.
Among other related changes, the legislation also caps contributions from individual donors to $1,200 for the 2018 elections with contribution limits then indexed for inflation in sequent election years. If passed, the law would be in effect for British Columbia’s October 28, 2018, municipal elections and would be retroactive to October 31, 2017.
October 30, 2017 •
Lobbying Law May Be Considered by Halifax Regional Council
On October 31, the Regional Council of Halifax, Nova Scotia will begin the first steps to considering a lobbying ordinance for the city. Councillor Shawn Cleary is scheduled to “request a staff report with recommendations for the creation and maintenance […]
On October 31, the Regional Council of Halifax, Nova Scotia will begin the first steps to considering a lobbying ordinance for the city.
Councillor Shawn Cleary is scheduled to “request a staff report with recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a municipal lobbyist registry, which should include a regular, transparent reporting process, and contains a jurisdictional scan for best practices in other municipal, provincial and federal governments,” according to the agenda for the meeting.
Currently, there is no lobbyist registry for the city of Halifax. “I’m not saying we’re going to be the most open and transparent government in the world, but simply by having a registry, even if it’s updated infrequently, is better than not having one at all. Are we going to have the Cadillac of registries? No. But can we have a Chevy? Maybe,” Cleary told the Halifax website The Coast.
October 6, 2017 •
Revolving Door Legislation Introduced in Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Cabinet Ministers and other public officer holders in British Columbia will be prohibited from lobbying the government of British Columbia for two years after leaving office under a bill proposed in the legislature this week. Attorney-General David Eby, who announced […]
Cabinet Ministers and other public officer holders in British Columbia will be prohibited from lobbying the government of British Columbia for two years after leaving office under a bill proposed in the legislature this week. Attorney-General David Eby, who announced the legislation, said the legislation is intended to “restore public confidence,” according to The Globe and Mail.
The prohibition in the bill applies to former public office holders, which the legislation defines as a former member of the Executive Council and any individual formerly employed in the former member’s former office, other than administrative support staff, or a former parliamentary secretary.
Those listed in the definition also includes any individual who formerly occupied either a senior executive position in a ministry, the position of associate deputy minister, assistant deputy minister or a position of comparable rank in a ministry, or a prescribed position in a Provincial entity.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.