Is COVID-19 Government Assistance No Strings? No Way! All Lobbyists Have Reporting Requirements

Originally published April 19, 2021

In the past year, many Canadian businesses have taken advantage of government assistance programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy. While many of these financial supports have been offered without special conditions vis-à-vis the government writing the cheque, non-repayable COVID-19 emergency funding is not without strings if you are (or soon to be) registered as an In-House or Consultant Lobbyist. All lobbyists must comply with government funding disclosure obligations under Canadian lobbying laws.

In Canada, reporting government funding is a key aspect of lobbying compliance that ensures an open and transparent system. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic new, widely used, government programs are being accessed by companies that have never received government funding before. As such, it is more important than ever that those engaging in lobbying activities understand