Released on November 21, 2013
The government has introduced legislation to ensure that paid lobbying activities in the province are subject to appropriate accountability requirements.
Under The Lobbyists Act, people who are paid to lobby elected officials on behalf of organizations or groups will be required to register their lobbying activities online.
“Saskatchewan people should know who is lobbying the government and the creation of a public registry will disclose that information,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “At the same time, this legislation recognizes that lobbying public office holders is a legitimate democratic activity.”
The Act applies to individuals who are paid to lobby, including organizations with employees whose duties include lobbying on their behalf. Unpaid individuals, such as volunteers or members of the public pursuing personal interests with their MLAs are not required to register. Individuals acting in their official capacity on behalf of certain organizations such as municipalities or other governments may be exempt from The Lobbyists Act.
The Conflict of Interest Commissioner, an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly, will be appointed as the registrar to oversee the Act and promote compliance by lobbyists.
The Act is based on the 2012 recommendations from the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice, as well as additional consultations with stakeholders.
Most provinces in Canada currently have a lobbyist registry. Rules similar to those that exist in other jurisdictions will be applied in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Noel Busse
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-551-9405