Regulation of Lobbying at the Federal and Provincial Levels in Canada

Lobbying is a crucial part of democratic systems, influencing the creation of laws and policies. This thesis, titled "Regulation of Lobbying at the Federal and Provincial Levels in Canada," compares federal and provincial lobbying regulations through comparative analysis. The aim is to determine how provincial regulations are inspired by federal rules and where they differ. The study combines descriptive and comparative methods, focusing on the historical development and current legislative frameworks. The analysis identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the regulations, linking theoretical insights with practical analysis, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of lobbying regulation in Canada. The study reveals that the federal Lobbying Act serves as an inspiration for individual provinces, which, however, adapt their lobbying laws to the specifics of their own jurisdictions. This results in different approaches, particularly in the definition of lobbyists and the thresholds for their registration. The provinces agree on the obligation for transparent registration of lobbyists and the disclosure of information about their activities, but differences exist in the registration periods and the cooling-off periods for former public officials. The analysis shows that lobbying regulations in Canada are consistent but tailored to regional needs and priorities.