Keywords
Canadian lobbying, OCL Recommendations, Canadian Lobbying Regulation, Trust and Access, Transparency in Canadian Lobbying
Abstract
Lobbying, often viewed skeptically and associated with corruption, plays a pivotal yet contentious role in modern governance. This paper examines the efficacy of Canadian federal lobbying legislation amid public disillusionment with governmental processes. While only 32% of Canadians express confidence in the Federal Parliament, concerns about lobbying's influence persist. Despite regulatory efforts, lobbying in Canada remains complex, with historical and political contexts shaping its regulation. This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into Canadian federal lobbying legislation, exploring its ability to regulate lobbying activities effectively. It scrutinizes the regulatory framework, enforcement mechanisms, and identifies systemic barriers that impact trust, access, and perceptions of corruption within the Canadian political landscape. Analysis reveals a troubling trend of legislative stagnation punctuated by scandal-driven regulatory reforms. Despite recurrent scandals prompting regulatory reviews, meaningful reform is often delayed, perpetuating a cycle of distrust. Systemic barriers, including loopholes in registration requirements, disclosure deficiencies, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms, undermine transparency and accountability. Addressing these challenges necessitates closing loopholes, enhancing disclosure requirements, and providing adequate resources to regulatory bodies. Without meaningful reforms, the gap between lobbying regulations on paper and their implementation in practice will persist, threatening the integrity of Canada's political landscape.
Primary Advisor
Lydia Miljan
Program Reader
Emmanuelle Richez
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
Document Type
Major Research Paper
Convocation Year
2024