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ARTICLE · 10 FEBRUARY 2026

Expanded Federal Lobbyist Registration Requirements

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Canada's Commissioner of Lobbying has changed its interpretation of when lobbying constitutes a "significant part" of an employee's duties when determining if registering under the federal Lobbying Act is required.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
William Osler
William Osler
Drew C. Broughton
Drew C. Broughton
Audrix Arce (Articling Student)
Audrix Arce (Articling Student)
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Canada's Commissioner of Lobbying has changed its interpretation of when lobbying constitutes a "significant part" of an employee's duties when determining if registering under the federal Lobbying Act is required. The new interpretation, which took effect in January 2026, reduces the threshold for mandatory registration with the Registry of Lobbyists.

What is Lobbying?

The federal Lobbying Act defines lobbying as any paid communication with federal public office holders regarding the development of legislation, regulations, policy, the awarding of federal grants, contributions or other financial benefits.

Provinces also maintain their own lobbyist registration regimes.

Contraventions of the Lobbying Act can result in significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment and a lobbying ban.

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