March 27, 2012
Lobbyists Registration Act to Ensure Transparency, Fairness: Swan
– – –Act to Take Effect April 30
Starting April 30 lobbyists in Manitoba must register with the province’s lobbyist registrar and disclose who they are lobbying and details about their lobby efforts, Justice Minister Andrew Swan announced today.
“Lobbying is a valid activity in a democracy and it is essential that government be accessible,” Swan said. “The lobbyist registry will ensure transparency, accessibility and fairness in government.”
The Office of the Lobbyist Registrar is an independent office of the legislative assembly. Former deputy justice minister Ron Perozzo was earlier appointed to the role of lobbyist registrar.
Registrants will be required to file returns identifying each lobbyist, the name of their employer or client, the department or agency of government being lobbied, and the topics on which he or she is lobbying, the minister said.
“There is no fee to file a return and lobbyists can file online, making the process very easy and open,” said Swan. “In addition, Manitobans will be able to search the registry database online to know who is lobbying the government and on behalf of whom.”
For more information about the requirements of the act and the registry, contact the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar at 204-948-3466 or visit the website at www.lobbyistregistrar.mb.ca.
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