BACKGROUNDER
2002AG0078-000922 Oct. 29, 2002		Ministry of Attorney General
LOBBYISTS’ REGISTRY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is the lobbyists’ registry?

 

The lobbyists’ registry is a publicly accessible online database that will allow the public to find out who is being paid to influence MLAs and government staff. Lobbyists will have to provide their contact information, the name of their clients or employers, details of their lobbying efforts and government employees and politicians contacted.

 

What are the different types of lobbyists?

 

The Lobbyists Registration Act defines three kinds of lobbyists:

 

·        Consultant lobbyists who are paid on contract to lobby on behalf of clients. These include government relations consultants, lawyers, accountants and other professionals.

·        In-house lobbyists employed by businesses that carry on activities for financial gain.

·        Senior officers of not-for-profit organizations who either lobby directly themselves or employ staff who spend much of their time on lobbying activities.

 

How is lobbying defined?

 

Lobbying is defined as the paid act of communicating with a public office holder in an attempt to influence:

 

·        The development of any legislative proposal by any member of the legislative assembly.

·        The introduction, passage, defeat or amendment of any bill or resolution.

·        The making or amendment of any regulation.

·        The development or amendment of any policy or program.

·        The awarding of any contract, grant, contribution or other financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia.

 

Lobbying also includes, for consultant lobbyists only, attempting to arrange a meeting between a public office holder and any other person.

 

How is the registry being funded?

 

The lobbyists’ registry is a new public service to improve accountability, and will require additional resources to fund. Therefore, a cost recovery registration fee is being implemented.

 

What is the fee structure?

 

·        Consultant lobbyists must register and pay $150 for each separate contract they undertake. If several lobbyists employed by a consulting company are working on the same file, each individual must pay the registration fee.

·        In-house lobbyists working for businesses that operate for profit must register and pay $150 annually.

·        Senior officers of not-for-profit organizations must register semi annually and pay $75 each time.

 

Will the registry be reviewed at some point?

 

The government will subsequently review the registry to ensure it is working effectively and is meeting the needs of the public and those who have to register. The government will also monitor changes to registries in other jurisdictions.

 

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Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services.
Media contact:	Brett Lowther Public Affairs Officer 250 356-0727