Lobbyist registry is now mandatory in Vaughan

The Lobbyist Registry is part of the City of Vaughan’s comprehensive commitment to a culture of excellence in government. It ensures that all City business is open and transparent, that businesses are treated fairly and that citizens continue to have access to their local leaders. Effective Jan. 1, 2018, lobbying activities must be registered.

“The City of Vaughan is a leader in advancing a culture of excellence in governance. We are proud of our commitment to open government, upholding values of trust, transparency and accountability. Recognizing that lobbying is a positive contributor to the governing process, I believe it is important to promote a government framework which focuses on giving people access to information. Making the registry mandatory helps create a level playing field for everyone who is communicating with public office holders and ensures City business is being done in a manner that reflects the City’s high standards. Together, we will continue to maintain and strengthen the integrity of our City,” said  Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Led by Lobbyist Registrar Suzanne Craig, the Lobbyist Registry tracks communication between public officials and people or businesses that have the intention to effect changes to legislation, regulations, programs etc. It ensures that people who want to influence Members of Council and staff detail who is being spoken to, on whose behalf and what is being discussed.

The Registry will benefit all members of the community as the City of Vaughan functions more effectively with active engagement with the public and strong working relationships with businesses. Also the  people of Vaughan are entitled, and encouraged, to freely express themselves as citizens and to access municipal services.Businesses are entitled to a level playing field to work for and with the City, and to operate in Vaughan.