In a unanimous decision, Guelph’s city council has endorsed the establishment of a municipal lobbyist registry, aiming to enhance transparency in local governance. The motion, passed on Tuesday evening, mandates city staff to develop a comprehensive policy and bylaw for the registry, slated for presentation to the council in July. If approved, the registry is set to be launched on September 1, bringing forth a new era of accountability in lobbying practices.
Coun. Phil Allt emphasized the necessity of such a registry, citing discomfort experienced during lobbying encounters. “I want to be constrained by a lobbyist registry,” shared Allt, highlighting the need to formalize appropriate conduct in lobbying activities. The concept had previously garnered unanimous support from the council’s committee of the whole, signaling broad consensus on its importance.
The proposed registry, outlined in a staff report, will mandate lobbyists to disclose their interactions with elected officials. Key details such as the lobbyist’s name, employer, subject matter, targeted official, and lobbying date will be required for each entry. Non-compliance may result in penalties like temporary lobbying bans, underscoring the seriousness of adherence to lobbying regulations.
Delegate Susan Watson urged the council to consider stricter penalties for violating lobbying rules, proposing the imposition of fines on offenders. Acting-clerk Dylan McMahon acknowledged the suggestion, indicating that staff would evaluate such measures. Additionally, Coun. Carly Klassen raised the prospect of listing lobbyists in staff reports, a consideration McMahon affirmed while noting the timing challenges associated with post-report lobbying efforts.
The genesis of this registry initiative traces back to last September, prompted by expanded mayoral powers that necessitated a closer examination of lobbying dynamics. With approximately 10 Ontario municipalities already implementing lobbyist registries, Guelph joins the ranks of jurisdictions like Burlington, Brampton, Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa in prioritizing transparency and accountability in local governance.
As the council moves forward with finalizing the registry’s framework, the envisioned system promises to provide residents with valuable insights into lobbying activities, fostering a more informed and accountable decision-making environment at the municipal level.
