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ARTICLE · 24 JULY 2025

Not Your Usual Ottawa Cutback – Lobbying Commissioner Cuts Registration Threshold Fourfold

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On January 19, 2026, a substantially lower threshold for registering as an "in-house lobbyist" will take effect.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Timothy Cullen
Timothy Cullen
Abigail Reid (Summer Law Student)
Abigail Reid (Summer Law Student)
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On January 19, 2026, a substantially lower threshold for registering as an "in-house lobbyist" will take effect. New guidance establishes an 8-hour threshold that can be met in a rolling 4-week period (the "8-in-4 Rule") slashing the current standard of 32 hours in a month (the "20% Rule") fourfold.

As a result, for-profit and non-profit corporations, trade unions, and industry associations that communicate with federal public office holders (elected officials, political staff, and public servants, among others) could become subject to registration and reporting requirements even for infrequent and relatively brief engagement with government.

The "20% Rule" becomes the "8-in-4 Rule"

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

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