Islanders will benefit from a more transparent and accountable government with the introduction of an online registry for lobbyists.
Prince Edward Island's new Lobbyists Registration Act and online registry take effect on April 1, 2019.
“Lobbying is a legitimate and legal activity and is a part of the democratic process when appropriately conducted,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Jordan Brown. “Public disclosure of lobbying activity, and standards that set out how lobbyists must conduct themselves, are important to the integrity of government decision making.”
Anyone who is paid to lobby the provincial government may have an obligation to register and publicly disclose the details of their lobbying activities.
The two basic categories of lobbyists required to register are:
- Consultant lobbyists: individuals paid to lobby government on behalf of a client;
- In-house lobbyists: employees whose lobbying activity on behalf of their employer amount to at least 50 hours in a three-month period.
The new requirements, which include a registration fee and penalties for non-conformance, are consistent with other provinces in Canada.
For information about the lobbyist registry visit Prince Edward Island Lobbyists Registry or contact Mary Roach, Department of Justice and Public Safety, at 902-368-4550.
Media contact:
Donna Hooper
Department of Justice and Public Safety
902-213-1507
dmhooper@gov.pe.ca