The City of Toronto has recently introduced a by-law which is aimed at the regulation of "lobbyists" who deal with the City and its many related agencies and departments. Any corporations that do business or individuals who serve on Boards of organizations that do business with the City of Toronto should be aware of the registration and disclosure requirements.
Lobbying is very broadly defined in the new by-law and includes most communications with "Public Office Holders" on most topics. Like the federal and provincial , the City's by-law defines "Public Office Holders" as elected officials as well as all staff members. Included in the definition in the City of Toronto By-law are board members and staff of such organizations as the Toronto Transit Commission.
Communications relating to permits, licenses, property matters, commercial arrangements, procurement and awarding of "financial benefits" are all captured in the City's new by-law.
The legislation provides for "in house lobbyists" which include employees of a business and "consultant lobbyists" which include people who are hired to "lobby". It also likely captures corporate and not for profit Board members who may communicate with the City on behalf of their Board.
Bearing in mind that lobbying and communicating are virtually one and the same in the by-law, it is likely that the by-law applies to many, many individuals who may not have traditionally considered themselves "lobbyists".
The City of Toronto By-law requires that lobbyists register. As with the federal and provincial registration systems, there is a very strong direction that the registration be done on-line, although paper registration is also permitted. The information disclosed in the lobbyist registration forms is publicly accessible.
Fines for lobbying without properly registering start at $25,000.
The content of this article does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on in that way. Specific advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
