What’s New & Registry Insider Newsletter

September 28, 2026

Edmonton, AB

The Lobbyists Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN) met in Edmonton, Alberta from September 23 to September 25. The Lobbying Registrar of Alberta opened the meeting with a recognition that it was being held on Treaty Six Territory, a traditional gathering place for many Indigenous people, including the nêhiyaw/Cree, Dene, Anishinaabe, Nakota Isga, and Niitsitapi/Blackfoot peoples, and the homeland of the Metis Nation (Region 4).

The meeting occurred on the eve of International Right to Know Day, on September 28, a day celebrated in countries around the world and recognized by UNESCO to call attention to the importance of transparency to democracy and good governance. This is particularly fitting because the network highlighted the role that lobbying registries have in the public’s right to know who is communicating with public officials and about what.

Throughout the meeting the members shared updates from their respective jurisdictions and discussed commonalities and lessons learned. The Network recognizes that emerging use of artificial intelligence – from regulatory, registry functionality and administrative perspectives – will require in depth discussions to identify risks and opportunities.

Lobbyisme Québec presented their recent communications campaigns, aimed at raising its visibility and awareness in the public of the existence of its regime, to support the public’s trust in lobbying transparency and highlight the challenges resulting from the existing regime’s limitations, creating an environment favourable to the evolution of lobbying regulation and a culture of transparency in Québec.

The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists of British Columbia facilitated a discussion on key metrics and measurement strategies that demonstrate the value and impact of transparency in lobbying. The members agreed to explore a joint project to develop common metrics among the jurisdictions.

Members also shared their perspectives, approaches and lessons learned during reviews of their respective legislation. The discussions highlighted the need to engage in legislative reviews that will lead to enhanced transparency and ethical standards in lobbying.

The network was pleased to welcome Salvator Cusimano from Transparency International Canada who facilitated a conversation on broader questions around lobbying transparency and the role it can play in promoting accountability in Canada’s political and economic landscapes. The network thanks Mr. Cusimano for sharing his perspectives.

The members recognized the recent passing of J. David Wake, the former Ontario Integrity Commissioner who made invaluable contributions to the network.

The LRCN will meet again virtually in February 2027. The next in-person meeting will be hosted by British Columbia in December 2027.

The Lobbyists Registrars and Commissioners Network represents a group of Canadian regulators responsible for enforcing lobbying laws, regulations and policies.

As the 2025 holiday season begins, please be mindful of the prohibition on lobbyists providing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips, or favours of any kind.

Under the Lobbying By-law, no lobbyist or client of a lobbyist, or any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, officer or employee of any lobbyist or client of a lobbyist shall directly or indirectly offer, provide, or bestow entertainment, gifts, meals, trips, or favours of any kind to a public office holder.

It is improper conduct for a lobbyist to offer or provide entertainment, gifts, meals, trips, or favours of any kind as a form of lobbying. Doing so may be seen to create goodwill for current or future lobbying activities or to thank a public office holder for past support. This can create an appearance of personal obligation and place the public office holder in a conflict of interest.

For more information, see the Interpretation Bulletin:

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours.
Interpretation and Advisory Bulletins – City of Toronto

Suspect a Breach of the Lobbying By-law

If you wish to submit a request for inquiry about potential breaches of the Lobbying By-law this can now be completed online using the following link:

Submit an inquiry regarding a potential breach of the Lobbying By-law

There you can describe in detail why you believe there has been a breach.

There are also links to information regarding enforcement, our compliance inquiry procedures and what you can expect after making a complaint.

Please be reminded that the requirements of the Toronto Lobbying By-law remain in effect.

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at LobbyistRegistrar@toronto.ca or by telephone at 416-338-5858.

Please be advised access to a Walk-in Kiosk is available to the public by appointment for the purpose of completing a registration.

Thank you.

2025 Councillor By-Election Update

Toronto City Council declared the office of Councillor for Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park vacant and a by-election will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, and we ask the profession to review the Interpretation Bulletins listed below.

If you intend to become involved in any capacity with an election campaign, we ask that you pay particular attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto Bulletin.

If you still have questions about the effects of your possible involvement in an election campaign, the office is available for consultation and as in previous elections, we will provide advisory opinions on specific fact scenarios.

To request an advisory opinion, please contact us here (opens in new window).

 

Interpretation Bulletins:

Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto (opens in new window);

Lobbying, Municipal Elections and Third-Party Advertisers (opens in new window);

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours (opens in new window);

The Toronto Lobbyist Registrar is holding webinar on the City of Toronto Lobbying By-law. 

The webinar provides an overview of the Lobbying By-law, including registration requirements and exemptions, how to choose and describe a subject matter and how to report lobbying activities. The sessions also include an overview of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, the duty to disclose identity and purpose, prohibited communications and activities, and the duty to avoid improper influence.

Details:

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Location: Teams Link

Time: 2:00 p.m.

To register for the information session, please download and complete the Registration form and email it to LobbyingBylawTraining@toronto.ca.

To download the form, you will need Microsoft Word or a Word reader.  If you do not have either, please contact our office at 416-338-5858 and we will be happy to provide you with a registration form.

As the 2024 holiday season begins, please be mindful of the prohibition on lobbyists providing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips, or favours of any kind.

Under the Lobbying By-law, no lobbyist or client of a lobbyist, or any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, officer or employee of any lobbyist or client of a lobbyist shall directly or indirectly offer, provide, or bestow entertainment, gifts, meals, trips, or favours of any kind to a public office holder.

It is improper conduct for a lobbyist to offer or provide entertainment, gifts, meals, trips, or favours of any kind as a form of lobbying. Doing so may be seen to create goodwill for current or future lobbying activities or to thank a public office holder for past support. This can create an appearance of personal obligation and place the public office holder in a conflict of interest.

For more information, see the Interpretation Bulletin:

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours.
Interpretation and Advisory Bulletins – City of Toronto

Suspect a Breach of the Lobbying By-law

If you wish to submit a request for inquiry about potential breaches of the Lobbying By-law this can now be completed online using the following link:

Submit an inquiry regarding a potential breach of the Lobbying By-law

There you can describe in detail why you believe there has been a breach.

There are also links to information regarding enforcement, our compliance inquiry procedures and what you can expect after making a complaint.

Please be reminded that the requirements of the Toronto Lobbying By-law remain in effect.

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at Lobbyistregistrar@toronto.ca or by telephone at 416-338-5858.

Please be advised access to a Walk-in Kiosk is available to the public by appointment for the purpose of completing a registration.

Thank you.

Annual Report of the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) for the Year 2023

The 16th Annual Report was officially adopted by City Council during its meeting on July 24th and 25th, 2024. You can view this document in Reports section on the TLR webpage.

This report highlights the key accomplishments of the TLR Office in 2023. It marks the first annual report to City Council by the new Lobbyist Registrar, Mr. Stephen Littlejohn, who began his term in September 2023. Congratulations to Mr. Littlejohn on the successful completion of his first annual report.


Key Metrics from the 2023 Annual Report:

  • Total number of lobbyist registrations: 1,153.
  • Total number of subject matter registrations: 3,076.
  • Ward 13, Toronto Centre, had the largest number of lobbying communications reported.
  • The Transportation Services Division had the largest number of lobbying communications reported.
  • Planning and Development was the number one subject matter category by number of communications.
  • There were, nine (9) completed investigations and five (5) completed inquiries.


Municipal By-Election

Toronto City Council declared the office of Councillor for Ward 15, Don Valley West vacant and a by-election will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024.

If you intend to become involved in any capacity with an election campaign, we ask that you pay particular attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto Bulletin.

Additional Interpretation Bulletins:

If you still have questions about the effects of your possible involvement in an election campaign, the office is available for consultation and as in previous elections, we will provide advisory opinions on specific fact scenarios.


Suspect a Breach of the Lobbying By-law?

Our website has a link for individuals who wish to submit a request for inquiry about potential breaches of the Lobbying By-law:

Submit an inquiry regarding a potential breach of the Lobbying By-law

On this page, you can describe in detail why you believe there has been a breach. Additionally, there are links to information regarding enforcement, our compliance inquiry procedures, and what you can expect after making a complaint.


Contact The TLR Office

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at  LobbyistRegistrar@toronto.ca.

Should you need the assistance of the Inquiries & Investigations Unit, please contact them at LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca.

To search the Registry, please visit the Lobbyist Registry Online Search

To help determine if you are required to register, you may refer to the interactive tool on the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar’s webpage: Do I Need to Register as a Lobbyist?

To report your lobbying activities, please log into your account on the Lobbyist Registry System.

 

For instant updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

2024 Councillor By-Election Update

Toronto City Council declared the office of Councillor for Ward 15, Don Valley West vacant and a by-election will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, and we ask the profession to review the Interpretation Bulletins listed below.

If you intend to become involved in any capacity with an election campaign, we ask that you pay particular attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto Bulletin.

If you still have questions about the effects of your possible involvement in an election campaign, the office is available for consultation and as in previous elections, we will provide advisory opinions on specific fact scenarios.

To request an advisory opinion, please contact us here.

 

Interpretation Bulletins:

Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto;

Lobbying, Municipal Elections and Third-Party Advertisers;

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours;

Annual Report of the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) for the Year 2022

The 15th Annual Report was adopted by City Council at its meeting held on July 19th, 20th and 21st, 2023. View this document in the Reports section on the TLR webpage

This report highlights the key accomplishments of the TLR in the year 2022.  This was the last annual report to City Council by the current Lobbyist Registrar, Ms. Cristina De Caprio, whose term ends on September 6, 2023.   Congratulations to Ms. De Caprio on the successful completion of her term.

 

Key Highlights from the 2022 Annual Report:

  • In 2022, there were 19,550 visits to the TLR public website
  • Outgoing Emails Sent to Lobbyists in 2022:
 25,023
  • Lobbyist Registrations Processed:
 2,857
  • Subject Matter Registrations Processed:
 10,214
  • Active Lobbyist Registrations:
 1,072
  • Active Subject Matter Registrations Processed:
 3,197

 

  • In 2022, there were 6,214 lobbying communications reported with all Public Office Holders.

 

  • The top 5 (Five) Most Frequently Registered Subject Matters in 2022

 

  1. Planning and Development
  2. Economic Development
  3. Technology Services
  4. Procurement
  5. Transportation

 

  • Lobbying Communications Reported Across all Categories of Public Office Holders in 2022
Employees of the City 2,127
Staff of Members of Council 1,902
Members of Council 1,698
Employees of Local Board 468
Members of Local Board 6

 

 Preparations for the 2023 Municipal By- Election

In advance of the 2023 Municipal By-Election, as part of its breach prevention strategy, the TLR hosted a training session on the topic of lobbying and political activity.  The session was hosted by Stephen Littlejohn, Inquires and Investigations Counsel, City of Toronto on Tuesday May 9th, 2023.

 

Announcement:  Appointment of New Lobbyist Registrar

 

At its meeting held on June 14th, and 15th, 2023, City Council adopted the appointment of a new Toronto Lobbyist Registrar, Mr. Stephen Littlejohn, who will take on the new role effective September 7, 2023.  The TLR congratulates Mr. Littlejohn on his appointment and wishes him much success in his new role.

To view this announcement, please follow the link: Agenda Item History - 2023.MM7.27 (toronto.ca)


Municipal Lobbyist Registrars of Ontario (MLRO)

The Lobbyist Registrar hosted a meeting of the Municipal Lobbyist Registrars of Ontario. Participants from the City of Ottawa, City of Vaughan, City of Brampton and City of Winnipeg, engaged in a formal discussion of best practises in lobbying regulation and reviewed common legislative principles in their respective jurisdictions.


Contact TLR Staff

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at  LobbyistRegistrar@toronto.ca.

 

Should you need the assistance of the Inquiries & Investigations Unit, please contact them at LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca.

To search the Registry, please go to: http://bit.ly/2lsfBev 

To help determine if you are required to register, you may refer to the interactive tool on the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar’s webpage: http://bit.ly/LRInteractiveTool 

To update your lobbying activities, please go to: http://bit.ly/2kuSfBh 

 

To submit a confidential inquiry request, email: LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca

For instant updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

2023 Mayoral By-Election Update

City Council has declared the Mayor’s seat vacant, and a by-election will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, and we ask the profession to review the Interpretation Bulletins listed below.

If you intend to become involved in any capacity with an election campaign, we ask that you pay particular attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto Bulletin.

If you still have questions about the effects of your possible involvement in an election campaign, the office is available for consultation and as in previous elections, we will provide advisory opinions on specific fact scenarios.

To request an advisory opinion, please contact us here.

Interpretation Bulletins:

Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto;

Lobbying, Municipal Elections and Third-Party Advertisers;

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours

Annual Report of the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) for the Year 2021

The Annual Report was adopted by City Council at its meeting held on July 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd 2022. View this document in our Reports section.

Highlights from the 2021 Annual Report

  • As of December 31, 2021, there were 9,293 lobbying communications reported with all public office holders (POHs). This represents an increase of 12.5% in the number of lobbying communications reported with all POHs compared with 2020.
  • 20% of the lobbying communications reported between March 1 and December 31, 2021 were related to the COVID-19 emergency. During this period, there were 9,293 lobbying communications reported with all POH. Of these communications, 1,887 were related to the COVID-19 emergency.
  • The most frequently registered Subject Matters in 2021 that were related to the COVID-19 emergency were:
  1. Economic Development
  2. Restart and Rebuild Related to COVID-19 Pandemic
  3. Public Health
  4. Transportation – Cycling / Bicycle Lanes
  5. By-law/Regulation
  • Lobbying Communications Reported Across All Categories of POH in 2021
Staff Member of Council 3,017
Employee of the City 2,966
Members of Council 2,674
Employees of Local Board 603
Members of Local Board 30

 

  • As of December 31, 2021, there were 3,559 active subject matter registrations. This represents an increase of 5.6% from 2020, where the number of active subject matter registrations as of December 31, 2020 was 3,371.
  • There were 14 grass-roots lobbying campaigns launched in 2021.

Toronto Lobbyist Registry Ongoing Matters for 2022

Improvements to the Lobbyist Registry

In 2022, the TLR worked in collaboration with City Clerk’s Office, to implement two new improvements to expedite registration and refine reporting to our Lobbyist Registry (the Registry).

  1. Streamlining Lobbyist Registration

The TLR launched a streamlined process for Lobbyists to open a user account for registration. The printing and mailing of certification forms by new users is no longer required.  Submissions of the certification form under this part is now completely done electronically.

  1. Expanding Subject Matter Disclosure

As of Feb 2022, the TLR expanded the subject matter disclosure requirements in  the Registry. In doing so, this has allowed the Registry to better capture details about the intended outcomes of lobbying activities. The changes will serve the public interest, because there will be a more detailed description of lobbying activities.

  1. Amended to Advisory Bulletin- Disclosing a Subject Matter

This bulletin has been change to reflect the expanded Subject Matter disclosure requirements described above.  Lobbyists are encouraged to review the amended process as outlined in the bulletin (Interpretation and Advisory Bulletin).

Municipal Lobbyist Registrars of Ontario (MLRO)

On January 24th, 2022 in collaboration with the Integrity Commissioner of Vaughan, the Registrar hosted the second annual meeting of the MLRO. The Registrar and the Commissioner established the MLRO as a networking forum where municipal Commissioners and Registrars of Lobbying can meet to share best practices. The second annual meeting was attended by Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners from the following municipalities: City of Brampton, City of Mississauga, City of Hamilton, Region of Peel, Region of York, Town of Collingwood, City of Vaughan, City of Winnipeg and City of Ottawa. The Registrar will be contributing and participating in this network on behalf of the TLR on an annual basis.

Looking Towards the Future

The TLR is continuing its commitment to improving the services that we deliver to our stakeholders; identifying and implementing ways in which the Registry and the regulatory scheme can be enhanced and adapting to meeting our ever-changing regulator challenges.   The objectives to achieve these goals in 2022, can be done through a) Modernization of the Registry and Inquiries and Investigation Unit, b) Continuous Improvement to the Registry, c) Expanding the Lobbying By-law Provisions and lastly, d) Continued Stakeholder Engagement.

Election Day: October 24, 2022

It is election time again at the City of Toronto. Election Day is October 24, 2022, and we ask the profession to review the Interpretation Bulletins listed below.

If you intend to become involved in any capacity with an election campaign, we ask that you pay particular attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto Bulletin.

If you still have questions about the effects of your possible involvement in an election campaign, the office is available for consultation and as in previous elections, we will provide advisory opinions on specific fact scenarios.

To request an advisory opinion, please contact us at lobbyistregistrar@toronto.ca

Interpretation Bulletins:

Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto

Lobbying, Municipal Elections and Third-Party Advertisers

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours

Lobbying During Transition Period from Election Day to Beginning of New Term of Council

Lobbying By-law Training Sessions

Our office held a joint training session virtually on March 4, 2022 with Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar, Province of Ontario, The Honourable J. David Wake and Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar, the City of Ottawa, Karen Shepherd on the topic of Elections, Gifts and General Compliance.  This training was well received with over 70 participants. Our office would be pleased to arrange a special virtual training session to provide an overview of registration and compliance obligations under the Lobbying By-law. To request a special training session, please contact LobbyingBylawTraining@toronto.ca.

Suspect a Breach of the Lobbying By-law?

Our website has a link for individuals that wish to submit a request for inquiry about potential breaches of the Lobbying By-law:

Submit an inquiry regarding a potential breach of the Lobbying By-law

There you can describe in detail why you believe there has been a breach. There are also links to information regarding enforcement, our compliance inquiry procedures and what you can expect after making a complaint.

Contact TLR Staff

Please contact TLR staff for assistance.

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at LobbyistRegistrar@toronto.ca. Should you need the assistance of the Inquiries & Investigations Unit, please contact them at LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca. The TLR remains committed to providing the full services of the office in support of its mandate.

To search the registry, go to: http://bit.ly/2lsfBev

To help determine if you are required to register, you may refer to the interactive tool on the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar’s website: http://bit.ly/LRInteractiveTool

To update your lobbying activities, go to: http://bit.ly/2kuSfBh

Should you need assistance, please contact one of our Advisors at LobbyistRegistrar@toronto.ca

To submit a confidential inquiry request, email: LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca

For instant updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

It is election time again at the City of Toronto. Election Day is October 24, 2022, and we ask the profession to review the Interpretation Bulletins listed below.

If you intend to become involved in any capacity with an election campaign, we ask that you pay particular attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto Bulletin.

If you still have questions about the effects of your possible involvement in an election campaign, the office is available for consultation and as in previous elections, we will provide advisory opinions on specific fact scenarios.

To request an advisory opinion, please contact us here.

Interpretation Bulletins:

Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto;

Lobbying, Municipal Elections and Third-Party Advertisers;

Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours;

Lobbying During Transition Period from Election Day to Beginning of New Term of Council.

Annual Report of the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) for the Year 2020

The Annual Report was adopted by City Council at its meeting held on October 1 and 4, 2021. View this document in our Reports section.

Highlights from the 2020 Annual Report

  • As of December 31, 2020, there were 8,261 lobbying communications reported with all public office holders (POH). This represents an increase of 29.5% in the number of lobbying communications reported with all POH compared with 2019.
  • 33% of the lobbying communications reported between March 1 and December 31, 2020 were related to the COVID-19 emergency. During this period, there were 6,653 lobbying communications reported with all POH. Of these communications, 2,165 were related to the COVID-19 emergency.
  • The most frequently registered Subject Matters in 2020 that were related to the COVID-19 Emergency were:
  1. Economic Development; and Public Health
  2. Technology
  3. By-law/Regulation
  4. Health & Safety; and Transportation – Cycling / Bicycle Lanes
  5. Transportation
  6. COVID19 Pandemic; and Transit/TTC
  7. Planning and Development; Shelters; and Toronto Parking Authority
  • Lobbying Communications Reported Across All Categories of POH in 2020
Employees of the City 3,268
Staff of Members of Council 2,558
Members of Council 1,942
Employees of Local Board 473
Members of Local Board 20
  • As of December 31, 2020, there were 3,371 active subject matter registrations. This represents an increase of 12% from 2019, where the number of active subject matter registrations as of December 31, 2019 was 3,019.
  • There were 26 grass-roots lobbying campaigns launched in 2020.

Retention Schedules of the Lobbyist Registrar

Council adopted the Retention Schedules for the accountability records of the Lobbyist Registrar at its meeting on October 1 and 4, 2021.

Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC)

On September 22, 2021, the Lobbyist Registrar joined the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada and the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario for a panel discussion on the latest compliance, registration and regulatory developments for public affairs professionals, which was hosted by PAAC, via webinar. Special thank you to PAAC for inviting the Lobbyist Registrar to participate in this education and outreach event.

Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN) Annual Conference

Both the Lobbyist Registrar and Inquiries & Investigations Counsel participated in the LRCN Annual Conference, which was held virtually on September 28 and 29, 2021. The TLR has been meeting and sharing best practices with Registrars and Commissioners of Lobbying from across Canada through this network annually.

Lobbying By-law Training Sessions

The TLR continues to offer training sessions in 2021, which are delivered virtually. The latest session was held on October 7, 2021.

Our office would be pleased to arrange special virtual training session to provide an overview of registration and compliance obligations under the Lobbying By-law. To request a special training session, please contact LobbyingBylawTraining@toronto.ca.

Suspect a Breach of the Lobbying By-law?

In February, our website published a link for individuals that wish to submit a request for inquiry about potential breaches of the Lobbying By-law:

Submit an inquiry regarding a potential breach of the Lobbying By-law

There you can describe in detail why you believe there has been a breach. There are also links to information regarding enforcement, our compliance inquiry procedures and what you can expect after making a complaint.

TLR Staff Continue to Work Remotely

Please be reminded that the requirements of the Toronto Lobbying By-law remain in effect.  Until a notice of change, our office at 375 University Avenue, Suite 201, remains closed and the staff continue to work remotely.

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at LobbyistRegistrar@toronto.ca. Should you need the assistance of the Inquiries & Investigations Unit, please contact them at LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca. The TLR remains committed to providing the full services of the office during these extraordinary times.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Holiday Season Reminder Regarding the Prohibition of Gifts

As the 2020 holiday season begins, please be mindful of the prohibition on lobbyists providing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind.

Under the Lobbying By-law, no lobbyist or client of a lobbyist, or any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, officer or employee of any lobbyist or client of a lobbyist shall directly or indirectly offer, provide or bestow entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind to a public office holder.

It is improper conduct for a lobbyist to offer or provide entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind as a form of lobbying. Doing so may be seen to create goodwill for current or future lobbying activities or to thank a public office holder for past support. This can create an appearance of personal obligation and place the public office holder in a conflict of interest.

For more information, see the Interpretation Bulletin: Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours.

Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) Staff Continue to Work Remotely

Please be reminded that the requirements of the Toronto Lobbying By-law remain in effect. Until a notice of change, our office at 375 University Avenue, Suite 201, remains closed and the staff continue to work remotely.

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at lobbyistregistrar@toronto.ca. Should you need the assistance of the Inquiries and Investigations Unit, please contact them at LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca. TLR remains committed to providing the full services of the office during these extraordinary times.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC)

On October 21, 2020, the Lobbyist Registrar joined the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada and the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario for a panel discussion on “Compliance and Registration: An Update from the Federal, Ontario and City of Toronto Lobbying Commissioners”, which was hosted by PAAC, via webinar. Special thank you to PAAC for inviting the Lobbyist Registrar to participate in this education and outreach event.

Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN) Annual Conference

Both the Lobbyist Registrar and Investigations & Inquiries Counsel participated in the LRCN Annual Conference, which was held virtually on September 17, 2020. The TLR has been meeting and sharing best practices with Registrars and Commissioners of Lobbying from across Canada through this network annually.

Proposed Implementation of Administrative Sanctions

In 2020, the TLR continued its development of the policy and operational requirements for expanding the range of penalties available to include administrative monetary penalties. These new enforcement tools will be added to the spectrum of corrective actions imposed in the public interest, on an escalating scale, depending on the facts of the case and the seriousness of the breach. The TLR is continuing to collaborate with the City Manager and City Solicitor in order to enact the new provision.

Watch for Upcoming Lobbying By-law Training Sessions

The TLR will continue to offer Lobbying By-law training sessions in 2021, which will be delivered by WebEx. Notification will be sent out by email. Details will be posted on our homepage and social media.

Our office would be pleased to arrange special virtual training session to provide an overview of registration and compliance obligations under the Lobbying By-law. To request a special training session, please contact LobbyingBylawTraining@toronto.ca

What’s New?

  • The new online Lobbyist Registry System was launched earlier this year. The new Registry is easier to use and has improved search capabilities as well as mobile device compatibility. To search the new Registry go to our Search the Registry & Register as a Lobbyist page.
  • Wondering if you are a lobbyist? See our interactive questionnaire “Do I Need to Register as a Lobbyist?” for information about how the Lobbying By-law may apply to your communications with public office holders.

Annual Report

The Annual Report of the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) for the Year 2019 was adopted by City Council at its meeting held on July 28 and 29, 2020.  View this document in our Reports section.

Highlights from the 2019 Annual Report

  1. The total number of lobbying communications reported in 2019 with all Public Office Holders (POH) was 6,379.
  2. Lobbying Communications Reported Across All Categories of POH in 2019
Employees of the City 2,299 or 36%
Members of Council 2,082 or 33%
Staff of Members of Council 1,832 or 29%
Employees of Local Board 157 or 2%
Members of Local Board 9 or 0%

 

  1. In 2019, the total number of active lobbyist registrations was 2,035, and the total number of active subject matter registrations was 3,019.
  2. There were 41 grass-roots lobbying campaigns launched in 2019.

TLR Staff Continue to Work Remotely

Please be reminded that the requirements of the Toronto Lobbying By-law remain in effect.  Until a notice of change, our office at 375 University Avenue, Suite 201, remains closed and the staff continue to work remotely.

Should you need assistance with the Registry, please contact an Advisor at lobbyistregistrar@toronto.ca.  Should you need the assistance of the Inquiries and Investigations Unit, please contact them at LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca.  The Toronto Lobbyist Registrar remains committed to providing the full services of the office during these extraordinary times.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Lobbyist Registry System (LRS) Upgraded

Important upgrades to the LRS have been made.  The new LRS was deployed in January 2020.  It enables broader search capabilities for all users, and lobbyists are able to manage their registrations on different browser types and through mobile devices.

The TLR offered training sessions for the new LRS just after its launch in early 2020.  Additional training sessions in virtual format are being planned for the remainder of 2020.  Notification of upcoming dates of our future training sessions will be forwarded by email, on our webpage and through our social media platforms.  If you would like to register, be sure to check your email and watch for our notices as space is limited.

Thank you to City Clerk’s IT for their input, support, and collaboration with respect to the upgrades to the LRS.

Planned Implementation of Administrative Sanctions in 2020

The Registrar’s enforcement powers were expanded through the Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2017, with the added authority to impose administrative sanctions, including administrative monetary penalties.  These will expand the range of corrective actions from minor for less grievous infractions, to more punitive measures for more egregious breaches of the Lobbying By-law.  Throughout 2020, the TLR continued the development of the policy and operational requirements for incorporating these administrative monetary penalties into the range of penalties available, in collaboration with the City Manager and City Solicitor.  The implementation of this regime is being planned for late 2020.  Once in place, the range of enforcement measures will be expanded to include: terms and conditions imposed by the Registrar, bans, provincial prosecutions, and administrative monetary penalties.  Various approaches are used to enforce compliance with the Lobbying By-law, including advice and training, reports to Council and prosecutions under the Provincial Offences Act.  These new enforcement tools will be added to the spectrum of corrective actions imposed in the public interest, on an escalating scale, depending on the facts of the case and the seriousness of the breach.

Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN)

On September 17, 2020, the Registrar and the Inquires and Investigations Counsel will attend the LRCN’s virtual fall meeting.  They will join various jurisdictions in sharing news and information regarding legislative developments in the oversight of lobbyist registrations, standards of conduct, and duties of investigation and enforcement.  LRCN shares information and best practices regarding emerging trends in lobbying regulation across Canada.

Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) 2020 Virtual Conference

On December 1, 2020, TLR staff will participate in the COGEL 2020 Virtual Conference.  TLR staff have participated in this conference with our international colleagues and peers in government ethics and accountability since 2008.

Holiday Season Reminder Regarding the Prohibition of Gifts

As the 2019 holiday season begins, please be mindful of the prohibition on lobbyists providing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind.

Section 140-42A of the Lobbying By-law provides:

  1. No lobbyist or client of a lobbyist, or any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, officer or employee of any lobbyist or client of a lobbyist shall directly or indirectly offer, provide or bestow entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind to a public office holder.

It is improper conduct for a lobbyist to offer or provide entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind as a form of lobbying.  Doing so may be seen to create goodwill for current or future lobbying activities or to thank a public office holder for past support.  This can create an appearance of personal obligation and place the public office holder in a conflict of interest.

For more information, see the interpretation bulletin Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours.

City of Toronto Welcomes New Integrity Commissioner

Welcome to Jonathan Batty in his new role as Integrity Commissioner.  Council’s appointment of Commissioner Batty begins on November 30, 2019. Thank you to Valerie Jepson for her service and dedication as Integrity Commissioner over the past five years.  Wishing her continued success in her future endeavours.

The Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR) 31st Annual Conference 2019

SOAR held its 31st Annual Conference on November 7, 2019 in Toronto.  The Lobbyist Registrar was a panelist for the conference session entitled “Enhancing Regulators’ Transparency – Open Data, Social Media and More”, where she contributed to a discussion about how regulators can enhance transparency and public access to information they house through their public registries.

Congratulations to Susan Opler, Ombudsman, Ombudsman Toronto, who will be recognized at the December 10, 2019 SOAR Annual General Meeting in Toronto, as the 2019 SOAR Medal recipient.

The Lobbyist Registrar’s Open Data Story is Now Available Through Open Data Toronto

In late October 2019, Open Data Toronto published a guide pertaining to the data analysis of the Toronto Lobbyist Registry’s open data.  The guide is entitled, “Analyzing Lobbyist Data” and can be found at https://open.toronto.ca/.   It provides information about how to prepare and explore data using PowerBI.

Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN)

From September 24th to September 26th, the Registrar and the Inquires and Investigations Counsel attended the LRCN’s annual conference, which was hosted by the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada, in Ottawa.  They joined various jurisdictions in sharing news and information regarding legislative developments in the oversight of lobbyist registrations, standards of conduct, and duties of investigation and enforcement.  LRCN shares information and best practices regarding emerging trends in lobbying regulation across Canada.  Registrars and Commissioners of Lobbying from across Canada have been meeting and sharing information through this network since 2006.

41st Annual Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) Conference

From December 15 to 18, 2019, Inquiries and Investigations Counsel will attend the 41st Annual COGEL Conference in Chicago, and will be speaking about best practices in regulatory investigations.  He will be joining experts from Canada, the U.S. and the world to provide educational sessions about the latest developments in lobbying regulation.  Toronto Lobbyist Registrar (TLR) staff have participated in this conference with our international colleagues and peers in government ethics and accountability since 2008.  This international organization brings together leaders in the fields of government ethics, freedom of information, elections, lobbying and campaign finance.  COGEL members include governmental entities, educational institutions, and organizations (such as law firms and corporations).

Lobbyist Registry System Upgrades Expected in Early 2020

Our office will be offering training sessions for the new Lobbyist Registry System after its launch in early 2020.  We will be sending notification of the upcoming dates of our future training sessions by email, on our webpage and through our social media platforms.  If you would like to register, be sure to check your email and watch for our notices as space is limited.

Thank you to City Clerk’s IT for their ongoing work on the upgrades to the Lobbyist Registry System, through the State of Good Repair Project (SOGR) approved by Council in 2015.  Important changes and improvements are coming soon.  The SOGR is expected to be completed in early 2020.  Once in place, the new Lobbyist Registry System will enable broader search capabilities for all users, and lobbyists will be able to manage their registrations on different browser types and through mobile devices.

Planned Implementation of Administrative Sanctions in 2020

The Registrar’s enforcement powers were expanded through the Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2017, with the added authority to impose administrative sanctions, including administrative monetary penalties.  These will expand the range of corrective actions from minor for less grievous infractions, to more punitive measures for more egregious breaches of the Lobbying By-law.  In 2019, the TLR continued its development of the policy and operational requirements for incorporating these administrative monetary penalties into the range of penalties available, in collaboration with the City Manager and City Solicitor.  The implementation of this regime is scheduled for early 2020.  Once in place, the range of enforcement measures will be expanded to include: terms and conditions imposed by the Registrar, bans, provincial prosecutions, and administrative monetary penalties.  Various approaches are used to enforce compliance with the Lobbying By-law, including advice and training, reports to Council and prosecutions under the Provincial Offences Act.  These new enforcement tools will be added to the spectrum of corrective actions imposed in the public interest, on an escalating scale, depending on the facts of the case and the seriousness of the breach.

Report to Council on an Inquiry for Prohibited Communications During a Procurement Process

Earlier in 2019, Council received a report on an inquiry into whether communications during the Blackout Period of a procurement were in breach of the Lobbying By-law.  The Vendor was an in-house lobbyist, as defined by s. 140-20 of the Lobbying By-law.  During the Black-out Period, the Vendor contravened s. 140-41A of the Lobbying By-law by communicating with a Public Office Holder who was not permitted by the Purchasing By-law and Tender document to receive communications about the Tender.  Adherence to the Purchasing By-law and all relevant Tender documents is required to preserve the integrity of the City’s procurement processes.  Ensuring all lobbyists comply with s. 140‑41A of the Lobbying By-law guarantees lobbying transparency in the context of the City’s procurement processes.

To read the Report on an Inquiry for Prohibited Communication during a Procurement Process.

 

To search the registry, go to: http://bit.ly/2lsfBev

To help determine if you are required to register, you may refer to the interactive tool on the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar’s website: http://bit.ly/LRInteractiveTool

To update your lobbying activities go to: http://bit.ly/2kuSfBh

Access to a Walk-In Kiosk is available to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, staff support is available on site.

To submit a confidential inquiry request, email: LobbyistRegistrarInquiry@toronto.ca.

For instant updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The Report to Council on an Inquiry for Prohibited Communications during a Procurement Process was adopted by City Council at its meeting held on March 27-28, 2019

Changes to Reporting of Communications

We have updated our Lobbyist Registry System to reflect the change in the number of members of Council. When reporting communications with members of Council that took place prior to December 4, 2018, select “Member of Council Before Dec 2018”, then proceed to select the ward of the member and tick the box next to the member’s name about whom you wish to report your communications. In order to report communications with a member of Council that occurred after December 4, 2018, select “Member of Council After Dec 2018”, then proceed to select the ward of the member and tick the box next to the member’s name. If you require assistance with your registration, please contact our office at 416-338-5858.

Holiday Season Reminder Regarding the Prohibition of Gifts

This holiday season please be mindful of the prohibition on lobbyists providing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind.

Section 140-42A of the Lobbying By-law provides:

A. No lobbyist or client of a lobbyist, or any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, officer or employee of any lobbyist or client of a lobbyist shall directly or indirectly offer, provide or bestow entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind to a public office holder.

Offering or providing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind as a form of lobbying is improper conduct on the part of the lobbyist. Doing so may be seen to create goodwill for current or future lobbying activities or to thank a public office holder for past support. This can create an appearance of personal obligation and place the public office holder in a conflict of interest.

For more information, see the interpretation bulletin Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours.

Joint Information Session Held on November 20, 2018

On November 20, 2018, a joint information session for lobbyists was held at City Hall by the Honourable J. David Wake (Integrity Commissioner, Province of Ontario) and Cristina De Caprio (Lobbyist Registrar, City of Toronto). The session was entitled, “It’s About Time: Staying in Compliance with Deadlines & Details” and reviewed the timeliness requirements for registration in both jurisdictions. Topics included when to register, update, renew and terminate registrations as well as the overall importance of following legislated deadlines. Thank you to all session participants.

Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN)

The LRCN shares information and best practices regarding emerging trends in lobbying regulation across Canada. Registrars and Commissioners of Lobbying from across Canada have been meeting and sharing information through this network since 2006.

This year the LRCN’s annual conference was hosted by the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar here in Toronto, at City Hall, between September 24 and 26, 2018. The session was well attended and fruitful. Participants from the various jurisdictions shared news and information regarding legislative developments in the oversight of lobbyist registrations, standards of conduct, and duties of investigation and enforcement.

40th Annual COGEL Conference

On December 9-12, 2018, Office of the Lobbyist Registrar’s staff will attend the 40th Annual COGEL Conference. Staff from our office have participated in this conference with our international colleagues and peers in government ethics and accountability since 2008. This international organization brings together leaders in the fields of government ethics, freedom of information, elections, lobbying and campaign finance. COGEL members include governmental entities, educational institutions, and organizations (such as law firms and corporations). Experts from Canada, the U.S. and the world will be providing educational sessions about the latest developments in lobbying regulation.

Lobbyist Registry System Upgrades Expected in Early 2019

A special thank you to City Clerk’s IT for their ongoing work on the upgrades to the Lobbyist Registry System, through the State of Good Repair Project (SOGR) approved by Council in 2015. Important changes and improvements are coming soon. The SOGR is expected to be completed in early 2019. Once in place, the new Lobbyist Registry System will enable broader search capabilities for all users, and lobbyists will be able to manage their registrations on different browser types and through mobile devices.

Our office will be offering training sessions for the new Lobbyist Registry System after its launch in 2019. We will be sending notification of the upcoming dates of our future training sessions by email, on our webpage and through our social media platforms. If you would like to register, be sure to check your email and watch for our notices as space is limited.

New Amendments to the Lobbying By-law

On May 22, 23 and 24, 2018, City Council adopted EX34.11, titled “Report on Outstanding Matters Related to City’s Accountability Offices”.  These amendments to the Lobbying By-law were made in order to clarify and more accurately reflect City Council’s direction regarding lobbying regulation:

  • Clarify that no lobbyist or client of a lobbyist (or related parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers or employees) shall offer, provide or bestow entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind to a public office holder.
  • Revise s. 140-3C(3) to exempt persons making representations on behalf of employee or labour groups when representing employees of the City or a local board (restricted definition):
  • in a manner permitted by a collective agreement or relationship protocol; and
  • when communicating about the negotiation and administration of collective agreements or a relationship protocol.

Ensure that the “blackout period” in the Lobbying By-law references the updates to the Purchasing By-law.

Revised Interpretation Bulletins

Three interpretation bulletins have been revised to include the above amendments.  The revised interpretation bulletins are: Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours; Employee and Labour Groups; and Lobbying and Procurements, and they can be accessed on our website.

Annual Report

The Annual Report of the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar for the Year 2017 was adopted by City Council at its meeting held on March 27, 2018. View this document in our Reports section.

Successful Training Session – “Whose Rule Is It Anyway? Advice for Navigating Elections, Gifts and Compliance”

On February 15, 2018, the Honourable J. David Wake (Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar, Province of Ontario) and Cristina De Caprio (Lobbyist Registrar, City of Toronto) held a joint information session for lobbyists regarding elections, gifts and general compliance at Metro Hall. The session explained rules for lobbyists in anticipation of upcoming elections in 2018 in both jurisdictions. The event was well attended and informative.

You may email a request for a copy of the presentations at: LobbyingBylawTraining@toronto.ca

Rules for Lobbyists Related to Political Activity

See the related Interpretation Bulletins: Lobbying and Municipal Elections at the City of Toronto; Lobbying, Municipal Elections And Third Party Advertisers; Entertainment, Gifts, Meals, Trips or Favours; Lobbying During Transition Period from Election Day to Beginning of New Term of Council on our website.

Lobbyist Registrars and Commissioners Network (LRCN)

The LRCN shares information and best practices regarding emerging trends in lobbying regulation across Canada.

We would like to thank the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada for hosting the winter conference of the LRCN as well as extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to the newly appointed Federal Commissioner of Lobbying Nancy Belanger.

The fall conference of the LRCN will be hosted by the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar here in Toronto, at City Hall, between September 24 and 26, 2018.

What’s New?

  • Watch for the launch of the new online registry system early this spring. The new system will be easier to use and will have improved search capabilities as well as mobile device compatibility. It will also support more browsers.
  • Wondering if you are a lobbyist? See our new interactive questionnaire “Do I Need to Register as a Lobbyist?” for information about how the Lobbying By-law may apply to your communications with public office holders.
  • Thank you to our 1100 plus Twitter followers! Please stay with us to learn more about the Lobbying By-law.

About the Registry Insider Newsletter

Registry Insider is a semi-regular newsletter that contains news and updates from Toronto’s Lobbyist Registrar. The statements or opinions that appear in this newsletter reflect the personal views of the authors in their individual capacities and do not represent the views of the Toronto Lobbyist Registrar.

Date modified: September 30, 2026