Currently, only lobbyists working more than 28 hours a month are required to publically register with the commissioner of the Commissioner of Lobbying.
https://lobbycanada.gc.ca/app/secure/ocl/lrs/do/guest
A lot of lobbying in Canada is undisclosed.
Let’s say you are a lobbyist for an AI company. The AI minister (yes, that’s a real thing) wants to introduce a bill that you really don’t like.
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You write a letter to the AI minister to invite him for dinner. (1hour)
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You spend one morning to prepare what you will talk about (3hours)
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His office calls you to change the date (15 minutes)
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You call back his office to confirm the date and location (15 minutes).
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You go to the restaurant wisth the minister (3 hours)
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He agrees to meet you one week later in his office to discuss changes to the bill (2 hours).
That’s less than 9 hours and 30 minutes. It’s below the 28 hours threshold so you don’t have to disclose anything.
On January 19, 2026, Canada will become a slightly less corrupt country.
The threshold below which no registration is required will change from 28 hours to 8 hours over a four-week period. More people will be required to register.
The system is still a disaster, but at least it’s an improvement.
" the population " can’t afford a lobbyist. Corporations can. And that’s who gets to make the laws. It is a corrupt system, where politicians are given gifts, and vacations, to vote a certain way.
There’s nothing for the people in those talks.
There are lobbyists for non-profits (that you can donate to if you agree with their goals) too.
Yes, as the system os what it is, if an organization want something done they need to play the game as it stands.
That doesn’t mean that’s a good thing