The Federal Lobbying Act and You – Information

As of July 2, 2008, new regulations under the Federal Lobbying Act require all organizations engaged in lobbying to file reports on employees’ communication with federal officials.

To ensure that Seneca is compliant with the law, the College obtained a legal opinion from the leading expert on the subject. This legal opinion explained liabilities and responsibilities, and recommended a College compliance policy.

Seneca’s Executive Committee approved Seneca’s Compliance with Lobbying Law and Regulations policy in July 2008. Under the new regulatory requirements, communication includes planned or spontaneous contact, formal or informal contact, oral and arranged contact initiated by the government or by Seneca.

As stated within this policy, all full-time, part-time and contract employees of Seneca College must report all contact with federal officials or employees on a monthly basis.

Going forward, all employee communications with federal officials also must be reported to Seneca’s Government Relations department to be included in the College’s monthly report to the Federal Lobby Registrar. In order to make reporting as simple as possible, employees have two options –

Option #1 – Register to file your report electronically. If you anticipate regular contact with federal officials, you should register to use our online system.

To register for the online system, please send an email to government.relations@senecac.on.ca with the words “Register me” in the subject line. Employees choosing this option will automatically be reminded to complete their report on a monthly basis.

Option #2 – Download, print and complete the paper form below. Completed forms can be sent by inter-office mail or faxed to 905-479-5461 to the attention of the Department of Government Relations.

Reports for the preceding month are due within seven days after the month has ended. For example, an employee having contact with a federal official during the month of July would be required to file their report by August 7.

Government Relations will continue to meet with those departments and divisions at Seneca most affected by the changes to ensure a clear understanding of the requirements.  The Government Relations Office also has a mandate to assist any area of the College preparing proposals for federal grants or contributions.

Given that grants and contributions are covered under the definition of lobbying, we encourage all areas of the College considering federal proposals to contact our office.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Government Relations staff should you have need assistance with the monthly reporting.  If you have questions about this policy or require any other assistance, please contact the College Compliance Officer, Jon Olinski at government.relations@senecac.on.ca or at extension 7824.

Downloadable Reporting Form

Seneca’s Compliance with Lobbying Law and Regulations Policy

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