It's important to determine if you're a lobbyist before you create an account or report a lobbying activity. To do this, you can:
- Take the quiz. This quiz will help you determine if you are a lobbyist. If you are lobbyist, it will help you determine if you’re an in-house or consultant lobbyists. (link to types of lobbyists page)
- Refer to Section 2 of the Lobbyists Registration Act to find definitions for consultant lobbyist, in-house lobbyist, lobbying and public office holder.
- Email [email protected].
You can also determine if you are excluded from registering by referring to Section 4 of the Lobbyists Registration Act.
Examples of roles that may be lobbyists and who is not a lobbyist
Members of the public
The Act refers to individuals who are communicating with the government on behalf of an organization or business in an attempt to influence a government decision. Individual members of the public who contact the government or MLAs on constituency matters are not lobbyists.
These are examples of activities that are not considered to be lobbying.
- Contacting the government for information about a government program or service.
- Providing feedback on government public engagement surveys, responding to government inquiries, or responding to communications the government initiates.
- Contacting your MLA on constituency issues.
Not-for-profits, social advocacy groups, volunteer-based organizations, industry associations and unions
The Lobbyists Registration Act applies to not-for-profit and for-profit entities. You need to register your lobbying activities if you fall within the definition of in-house lobbyist or consultant lobbyist.
If you determine you are an in-house lobbyist and if your lobbying activities exceed the threshold number of hours (i.e. 20 hours) of lobbying in a calendar year you must register.
President or board member of a not-for-profit organization
If you are a director, officer or partner, or otherwise control the operations of a not-for-profit organization you are a “directing mind.” As a “directing mind” of a corporation, partnership or organization, you need to register if you lobby the government and your organization reaches the threshold number of hours prescribed in the Lobbyists Registration Act.
Volunteer members of an organization
You are not considered a lobbyist if your role as a volunteer with the organization does not have decision-making authority.