What Are The Penalties For Councillors

Who fail to report contacts? When does a citizen become a lobbyist? What do we get for the $1 Million we spend each year? Do other mayors or councillors from other jurisdictions have to register as lobbyist when they want support for their pet projects that require provincial approval.

Lobbyists must join registry
By BRODIE FENLON, TORONTO SUN

Forget secret face time with your local councillor if you're a paid lobbyist.

Toronto council voted last night to establish a lobbyist registry that sets fines of $25,000 up to $100,000 for lobbyists who fail to report meetings and contacts with local politicians and city staff.

The registry, mandated by the new City of Toronto Act, will cost just under $1 million a year. Toronto is the first city in Canada to operate its own lobbyist registry.

"We should be proud that we're doing this," said Mayor David Miller.

"We are taking the first steps ... to ensure that when members of council are lobbied by people seeking legal change at the city -- particularly legal change that benefits them directly economically -- it's disclosed to the public."

LABOUR UNIONS

Several opponents took issue with the registry's exemption of city unions, which are not required to disclose discussions with councillors about labour relations issues. "The unions here at City Hall, they can literally grind the city to a halt," said councillor Mike Del Grande, who voted against the registry. "To pretend that they're not strong or powerful is again not being realistic ... the playing field (should) be level for everyone."

The new registry also requires former councillors and senior city staff to sit out for a one-year cooling off period before they can act as lobbyists at City Hall.

Marilyn (Lyn) Abraham, a former registrar with the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario, has been named Toronto's first lobbyist registrar.