Non-Profit News: Upcoming Deadline for Lobbyists to Register

The September 15th deadline for lobbyists to register is fast approaching. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Lobbyist in British Columbia? 

Your organization may be lobbying if you have employees, officers, or directors who are corresponding with a public officer in an attempt to influence any matters set out in the Lobbyist Transparency Act. Below, find an infographic created by the Registrar of Lobbyists for British Columbia that helps describe what is considered lobbying. 

https://www.lobbyistsregistrar.bc.ca/handlers/DocumentHandler.ashx?DocumentID=347

What is the Lobbyist Transparency Act? 

The Lobbyist Transparency Act is a law that regulates lobbying activity in British Columbia. The Act defines lobbying activity, and it requires organisations that lobby the government to register and report their lobbying activity. In response to COVID-19, many non-profits may find themselves advocating for change more than ever before. If you are looking to influence a British Columbia MLA, ministry, ministry employee, program, policy, decision, regulation, legislature vote, or more, you may be considered a lobbyist under the Act. Lobbyists must adhere to the lobbyist registration deadline and the Lobbyist Transparency Act. To assist with navigating and complying with the Act, on August 24th the Registrar of Lobbyists released a guide for your organization to use in advance of the registration deadline. See below. 

https://www.lobbyistsregistrar.bc.ca/handlers/DocumentHandler.ashx?DocumentID=397

How do I register as a lobbyist?

If after viewing the Registrar’s guide or the Act you determine you or your organization participate in lobbying activity, your next step is to register as a lobbyist, login, and update your active registrations. Find a step-by-step guide below provided by the Registrar to navigate this next phase.

https://www.lobbyistsregistrar.bc.ca/handlers/DocumentHandler.ashx?DocumentID=354

Where do I go from here?

Now that you’ve registered as a lobbyist, or have previously done so, the September 15th deadline requires you to submit your Monthly Return for any lobbying activities during the months of May, June, July (if not submitted), and August 2020. Find further information, guides, and other resources provided by the Registrar to ensure you are in compliance with the Lobbyist Transparency Act going forward.

https://www.lobbyistsregistrar.bc.ca/lobbyists-transparency-act/using-the-registry/

Lobbyist Transparency Act Resources Provided by PLEO

Still have questions?

Submit an inquiry* to our Ask a Law Student service at the link below. https://www.pacificlegaloutreach.com/ask-a-law-student-1

* Our law students can only provide general legal information, not advice about what steps you should take in your specific circumstance. They also cannot provide legal opinions, including on whether you are considered a lobbyist under the Act. 

PLEO Communications