Do I have to register if I only arrange a meeting?

Summary

If you are a consultant lobbyist, you must register if you arrange a meeting between a public office holder and any other person. This Bulletin clarifies how and when to register.

Interpretation

If you are paid by a client to arrange a meeting between an Ontario public office holder and anyone else, you need to register. You are lobbying. 

It does not matter if you do no other lobbying work for the client or do not attend the meeting. 

You must register within 10 calendar days after the day you arrange the meeting. Do not wait until the day the meeting happens to register. 

Meetings include in-person or telephone meetings with public office holders, but also include inviting public office holders to attend lobby days or other events such as galas. 

You also must register if you direct another person (e.g. support staff) to arrange a meeting between a public office holder and another person. (The support staff does not need to register.)

Application

This Bulletin applies to the following types of lobbyists:
- consultant lobbyists

Relevant Legislation

Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998
- s. 1(1)(b)(ii) “lobby”

History

First issued: March 30, 2020

Authority

The Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998, makes sure that lobbying in Ontario is transparent and ethical. The Integrity Commissioner, as the Lobbyists Registrar, maintains an online public record of lobbyists and conducts investigations into non-compliance with the Act. The Registrar may issue a bulletin about the interpretation or application of the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. 

This Bulletin provides general information. It is not legal advice. It is not a binding statement of how the Integrity Commissioner will interpret the law.