In a recent op-ed published by The Hill Times, Suzanne Sabourin and Michael Walsh, examine the federal Commissioner of Lobbying's decision to significantly lower the registration threshold under Canada's Lobbying Act; a change they characterize as a fundamental shift in the government relations landscape.

The authors explain that replacing the long-standing "20 per cent rule" with a threshold of just eight hours of lobbying activity in any four-week period will dramatically expand the number of corporations and non-profits required to register as in-house lobbyists. Importantly, the new interpretation captures not only direct communications with public office holders, but also preparation work and grassroots advocacy.

"Compliance is no longer optional; it's a legal necessity. Thousands of businesses and non-profits that were not registered will now fall under the federal lobbying regime, and failure to comply carries not only legal consequences, but serious reputational risk."

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