Government Delivers on a Key Component of the Federal Accountability Act - The Lobbying Act

Biographical Notes

June 27, 2008

Ottawa – The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, today announced the coming into force of the Lobbying Act on July 2, 2008, delivering on a key component of the Federal Accountability Act.

"The government has managed to strike the right balance between legitimate lobbying activities and the right of Canadians to know who is lobbying public office holders, and in what context. The Lobbying Act delivers on both these imperatives," said Minister Toews.

Starting July 2, the Lobbying Act creates the new position of Commissioner of Lobbying, which holds enhanced investigative powers and the mandate to ensure that lobbying is done in a transparent and ethical way.

The coming into force of the Lobbying Act also requires lobbyists to publicly disclose their lobbying activities on the Web site of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying.

Furthermore,the Act sets a new category of senior government officials called   designated public office holders, which includes ministers, ministerial staffers, and senior public servants. Designated public office holders will beprohibited from registering and lobbying the Government of Canada for five years after leaving office.

"After celebrating Canada's 141^st birthday, what better way to start Canada's new year than by delivering increased accountability in Ottawa and a more open and transparent government for all Canadians," concluded Minister Toews.

Until the selection process for the new Commissioner of Lobbying is complete, Ms. Karen Shepherd has been appointed as Interim Commissioner of Lobbying for a period of six months starting July 2. Ms. Shepherd is currently Director of Investigations and Deputy Registrar for the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists.  

Minister Toews, on behalf of the Government, took the opportunity to thank Registrar of Lobbyists Michael Nelson, who is retiring from the Public Service, for his dedication and excellence in serving Canadians over the years.

This announcement is part of the implementation of the Federal Accountability Act. Through the Federal Accountability Act and its accompanying Action Plan, the government has brought forward specific measures to strengthen accountability in government. More information on the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan is available at www.accountability.gc.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Mike Storeshaw
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666

Robert Makichuk
Chief, Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 957-2391

If there is a discrepancy between any printed version and the electronic version of this news release, the electronic version will prevail.

TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) - (613) 957-9090

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Interim Commissioner of Lobbying

Biography – Karen Shepherd

Karen Shepherd has been appointed Interim Commissioner of Lobbying for a period of six months starting July 2, 2008.  Ms. Shepherd previously held the position of Director of Investigations and Deputy Registrar at the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists.

Before joining the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists, Ms. Shepherd served in several federal institutions, including Industry Canada, Revenue Canada, the Office of the Auditor General, Energy, Mines and Resources Canada and Employment and Immigration Canada.

Ms. Shepherd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University and a Master of Arts from Carleton University.