When you or one of your employees, officers, or directors
communicates with the B.C. government, your organization may be
lobbying. Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, more and more businesses are
engaging with the B.C. government in an attempt to protect their
interests. Rest assured, lobbying is perfectly lawful – as
long as you follow the rules. It is important for all such
businesses to know the rules, and consider how their conduct may be
reportable, before the new lobbying laws take effect in B.C. on May
4, 2020. Organizations can face monetary penalties for
non-compliance.
The provinces, the federal government, and some municipalities
have passed legislation to regulate lobbying, each with some
important differences. This post has a B.C. focus. You can also
read our Canada-wide lobbying post, which includes links to the
various rules across the country:
https://www.mccarthy.ca/en/insights/articles/lobbying-time-covid-19-rules-still-apply
