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ARTICLE · 13 JULY 2018

Communicating With Ontario's New Government: A Refresher

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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On June 29, 2018, the new Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, and his cabinet were sworn in, the first change in government in 15 years.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Alexis Levine
Alexis Levine
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On June 29, 2018, the new Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, and his cabinet were sworn in, the first change in government in 15 years. The new government has announced wide-ranging plans that will impact sectors as varied as health, energy and infrastructure. Those seeking to communicate or liaise with the new government should keep in mind the lobbying and gifting regimes applicable in Ontario.

LOBBYING

In Ontario, any paid communication to a public office holder for an enumerated subject matter (described more fully below) is lobbying, which, absent an exemption, triggers a registration requirement. Individuals and organizations that lobby are required to register with the Ontario Commissioner of Lobbying. Consultant lobbyists are required to register within 10 days of commencing lobbying, while in-house lobbyists, who, alone or collectively, spend 50 hours in any year lobbying on behalf of the organization, are required to register within two months of meeting the

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