Skip to content

Client Update: Requirement to register as a lobbyist in New Brunswick

On April 1, 2017, the New Brunswick Lobbyists’ Registration Act was proclaimed into force (the “Act”), requiring active professional consultant or in-house lobbyists to register and file returns with the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of New Brunswick. There is a grace period provided for in the legislation for lobbying activities that were being performed as of April 1. For these lobbying activities, the deadline for the filing of the first registration and return is July 1, 2017.

The Act defines lobbying as communication with a public office holder in an attempt to influence a government decision, including the development or amendment of legislation, regulations, government policies or programs, a decision to privatize Crown assets, or the award of any grant or other financial benefit by the province. Public office holders include members of the Legislative Assembly or Executive Council and their staff, members of a District Education Council, directors of a Regional Health Authority and any employee of the public service, including employees of crown corporations.

There are two types of lobbyists’ caught by the Act:

Consultant lobbyists are individuals who, for any form of remuneration or other benefit, undertake to lobby on behalf of a client.

In-house lobbyists are individuals who, as a significant part of their duties as an employee, lobby on behalf of their employer, or, if those duties were combined with the duties of other employees to lobby, would constitute a significant part of the duties of one employee.

The Act requires the registration of consultant lobbyists engaged in lobbying activity (notwithstanding the amount of time spent), and in-house lobbyists who spend twenty percent or more of their time engaged in lobbying activity, as measured over a three month period.

There are exemptions from registration as a lobbyist for government officials and staff, including municipal officials. There is also an exemption from registration for certain types of activity, including submissions made to public legislative committees, and submissions made in relation to the enforcement, interpretation or application of any Act, regulation, policy or program.

All returns are filed online with the Office of the Integrity Commissioner and there is no filing fee.

The return will require the lobbyist to disclose information about their lobbying efforts, including the identity of his or her client or employer, the subject of the lobbying activity, the purpose of the lobbying activity, and the types of communication employed. For a consultant lobbyist, a return must be filed within 15 days after commencing lobbying activity; and for an in-house lobbyist, within 2 months of becoming an in-house lobbyist. Information filed in return will be publicly available online starting July 1. This is the first ever lobbyists’ registry in New Brunswick.

The foregoing is intended for general information only and is not intended as legal advice. If you have any questions about the Lobbyists’ Registration Act, please contact Sarah Dever Letson.

SHARE

Archive

Search Archive


 
 

Land use planning in Prince Edward Island – the year in review

December 21, 2023

By Perlene Morrison, K.C., Hilary Newman & Curtis Doyle Once again, the time has come to review the year that was and to chart the course for the year ahead. For municipalities and planning professionals…

Read More

The Offshore Renewable Energy Area: Navigating offshore commitments in Newfoundland and Labrador

December 18, 2023

By Dave Randell, John Samms & Jayna Green A recent Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (“GNL”) announcement affirms the Province’s swift and ambitious approach to offshore wind development. While it may come as a shock…

Read More

Clean sweep: Federal Government tables legislation for Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit

December 15, 2023

By Sadira Jan, Dave Randell, Graham Haynes & Tyler Callahan On November 30, 2023, the Federal Government tabled Bill C-59, entitled An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament…

Read More

Forward focus: Canada’s ambitious immigration plan

December 14, 2023

By Brendan Sheridan The Government of Canada has continued their whirlwind year of immigration program announcements by revealing their plan to modernize and improve the country’s immigration system. This plan, known as “An Immigration System…

Read More

Preparing for Canada’s “Modern Slavery Act”: considerations and guidance for businesses

November 30, 2023

By Christine Pound, ICD.D, Rebecca Saturley, & Daniel Roth Canada’s anti-modern slavery legislation comes into force on January 1, 2024. To prepare for the first reporting deadline on May 31, 2024, organizations need to determine…

Read More

Replace-me-not: Bill C-58 proposes ban on replacement workers in federal strikes and lockouts

November 29, 2023

By Brian Johnston, K.C. and Richard Jordan On November 9, 2023, Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan, introduced Bill C-58 in the House of Commons to amend the Canada Labour Code to prohibit the use of…

Read More

Final retail payment activities regulations released

November 28, 2023

By Kevin Landry & Eryka Gregory The Retail Payment Activities Regulations (“Regulations”) under the Retail Payment Activities Act (“RPAA”) were finalized and published in the Canada Gazette Part II on November 23, 2023. The RPAA was…

Read More

Nova Scotia offers new pension option to private sector employers

November 24, 2023

By Level Chan When proclaimed in force, the Nova Scotia Private Sector Pension Plan Transfer Act (the “Transfer Act”) enacted by Bill 339, Financial Measures (Fall 2023) Act will allow the transfer of private sector…

Read More

Bill C-365 calls for plan for implementation of open banking in Canada

November 17, 2023

By Kevin Landry On November 9 2023, Bill C-365, An Act respecting the implementation of a consumer-led banking system for Canadians (“C-365”), short titled as the ‘Consumer-led Banking Act’ was read in the House of…

Read More

More limits: NSCA tightens the test for disallowing a limitations defence

November 15, 2023

By Jennifer Taylor The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal (“NSCA”) has issued an important decision clarifying the test to disallow a limitations defence. The decision, Halifax (Regional Municipality) v Carvery (“Carvery”), has real implications for personal…

Read More

Search Archive


Scroll To Top