City of Toronto Lobbyist Registry takes effect
February 11
Effective February 11, the City of Toronto*s Lobbyist Registry will
become operational. This means that lobbyists will be required to
register with the City*s Lobbyist Registry (www.toronto.ca/lobbying)
before lobbying any public office holder.
*Lobbying public office holders is a legitimate business activity.
The Registry is simply a tool that provides the public and public office
holders with a means of knowing whom elected representatives and City
staff are talking to outside of a public process about any decision that
will be made by the City,* said Marilyn Abraham, Lobbyist Registrar.
The term public office holder includes the Mayor, Councillors and their
staff, all City of Toronto employees, members of most local boards,
their staff and employees, and members of advisory boards and
committees.
Any form of communication with public office holders that is classified
as lobbying under Municipal Code, Chapter 140 will require prior
registration with the Lobbyist Registry. This applies to communication
outside of a public process regarding a subject matter about which the
City intends to make an approval or a decision where there is a business
or special interest, unless an exemption applies.
Lobbyists will be required to register with the Lobbyist Registry
before lobbying on any subject matter. The registry will include
information about the:
* Lobbyist and the client, business or organization for which the
lobbying is taking place
* Subject matter of the lobbying activity to be undertaken
* Name of the division or program of the City or local board the
lobbyist expects to lobby
* Name of the Member of Council or their staff. A member of a
local board, their staff or any City
employee by position expected to be lobbied.
* Communication methods that the lobbyist expects to use
* Any elected, appointed or other senior City or local board
position previously held by the lobbyist.
The purpose of the Registry is to enhance public confidence in the
integrity and impartiality of the City*s decision-making processes by
making lobbying activities open and accessible to the public.
The public may search the registry (www.toronto.ca/lobbying)
by the
name of the lobbyist, the name of the person being lobbied or the
subject matter.
Toronto is Canada*s largest city and sixth largest government, and
home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the
economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative
cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more
than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering
public services. Toronto*s government is dedicated to prosperity,
opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
