Information on filing monthly returns

This message was prepared for Registrants by the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying.

* Errors in Monthly Communication Returns (Over-Reporting) *

The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying has noticed a number of recurring errors during a review of monthly communication returns. The purpose of this e-mail is to remind registrants of the types of communication that necessitate the filing of a return, and reduce unnecessary reporting.

A monthly return is required only with respect to communication of a prescribed type (oral; arranged in advance) that was made in that month involving a designated public office holder. The following is a list of common errors made by registrants in monthly communication returns:

1. Filing returns in respect of communication with public office holders who do not occupy a position defined in the Lobbying Act and regulations as being a designated public office holder, such as:
   • Members of Parliament and Senators (without ministerial portfolios);
   • The Leader of the Opposition; and
   • Departmental officials occupying a position below that of assistant deputy minister, or comparable rank (e.g. Director General, Directors, etc…)
2. Filing returns in respect of written communication.
3. Filing returns in respect of communication that was not arranged in advance.
4. Filing returns in respect of communication that is not prescribed in paragraphs 5(1)(a) or 7(1)(a) of the Lobbying Act.

Registrants who have filed communication entries containing errors, such as those mentioned above, are asked to amend or cancel them using the on our website.

For more information about the monthly reporting of communications, please review the following Interpretation Bulletins on our website:

• Communicating with Designated Public Office Holders
• Interpretation of "Comparable Rank" for Designated Public Offices
• Acting Appointment in Designated Public Office Holder Positions

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require further assistance.