BC NDP

NDP leader urges B.C. Liberals to stop delaying and ensure accountability in lobbying

VICTORIA -- New Democrat leader Carole James has brought forward a private member’s bill that would amend B.C.'s Lobbyists Registration Act to strengthen rules governing the activities of lobbyists and help restore public trust in government.

James' bill entitled the Lobbyist Registry Reform Act, 2009, reflects recommendations made by B.C.'s Privacy Commissioner and Registrar of Lobbyists David Loukidelis, to close the gaps in the current rules for B.C.'s lobbyists. Today’s bill is the third time James and her caucus have tabled legislation to reform lobbying.

"For years, the B.C. Liberals have ignored calls to strengthen rules governing B.C.’s lobbyists and they have refused to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in the profession and in government. They have chosen delays over accountability during a time when lobbyist after lobbyist has either neglected or deliberately refused to abide by the rules," said James. "It’s led to suspicion that the B.C. Liberals are giving their friends and insiders a free rein instead of ensuring that proper legal checks and balances are in place. This mistrust is damaging for both the public and the government and it needs be addressed."

"Today, I call on the premier and the attorney general to stop delaying. New Democrats have done the work for them and the government should get on board to ensure accountability and vote in favour of the Lobbyist Registry Reform Act, 2009,” James said.

In 2007, Loukidelis found that Premier Campbell’s advisor Ken Dobell had failed to register his lobbying activities as required by the Lobbyists Registration Act. Last year, another one of Campbell's advisors Patrick Kinsella refused to co-operate with Loukidelis’ investigation into allegations that he improperly lobbied the B.C. Liberal government.
The Kinsella affair led Loukidelis to comment that he will no longer be investigating complaints against lobbyists because the Campbell government's legislation, put in place in 2001, doesn't give his office the required authority to adequately investigate.

"For far too long in B.C., the public interest has been ignored because of the government's refusal to clean up its lobbying procedures," said James. “It’s time to restore British Columbians’ trust in government; it’s time to put an end to a growing perception of backroom deals and influence peddling under the Campbell Liberals.”