The Fibre Optic Deal and the Lobbyist Registration Act III

The Fibre Optic Deal
Lobbyist or Not
Part III

Part I Lobby or Not

Part II Lobbyist or Not

In the last part we discussed an "in-house" lobbyist. In this part we will discuss a "consultant lobbyist".

Consultant lobbyist

5. (1) In this section,

(a) "consultant lobbyist" means a person who, for remuneration, or other gain, reward or benefit, undertakes to lobby on behalf of a client; and

(b) "undertaking" means an undertaking by a consultant lobbyist to lobby on behalf of a client.

Typically this section would apply to a company hiring an outside consultant to lobby a position on their behalf. This would be the ordinary understanding of a "consultant lobbyist".

Considering Dean's zealous defence of his partners in lobby - wherein he has explained to the public that "he" took the lead on the project and represented all parties (Persona - Rogers - MTS Allstream) - then he necessarily was acting as a "consultant lobbyist".

Does he really qualify under this section - YES

There are no limitations on percentages of time required to be considered a lobbyist under this section. What is required is that the lobbyist will gain some benefit from any successful result of the lobby.

Clearly when Dean - represented Rogers and MTS Allstream - who is not known to be an employee of either - could not be considered an "in-house" lobbyist. Therefore the percentage technicality MacDonald has chosen is irrelevant and this section must apply.

However - stay - tuned for the next part as Sue's Blog anticipates the next technicality MacDonald et al will present.