Special report
The Influencers
The Influencers looks at lobbying, and who stands in the way of stronger climate policy. Produced in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainability, Education and Action (I-SEA).
A ‘grassroots’ group ran Facebook ads against the oil and gas emissions cap. Canada’s most powerful oil lobby paid for them
Canada’s most powerful oil lobby group is paying for Facebook ads urging Canadians to oppose greenhouse gas emissions limits on the oil and gas industry. Only the ads aren't coming from the lobby group — they're posted by a self-described “grassroots” oil and gas advocacy group.
Export Development Canada taps former oil and gas lobbyist to join climate advisory team
Export Development Canada is tapping a former Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers president to advise on sustainable investing.
Dog photos and veiled threats: How Canada’s fertilizer lobby is fighting against climate laws
In December 2020, the government challenged Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau's ministry to reduce emissions from artificial nitrogen fertilizers by 30 per cent by 2030. Soon after, Canada's $23-billion fertilizer industry jumped into action to make sure the new rules won't hurt its bottom line.
Democracy Watch and other groups rally support for campaign against ‘unethical’ lobbying changes
On Thursday, Democracy Watch, Climate Action Network and other civil society groups sent a joint open letter to lobbying commissioner Nancy Bélanger voicing concern over the reduced cooling-off period, which they say opens the door to unethical lobbying.
Lobbying statistics give a glimpse into what’s happening on the Hill
Environment and Climate Change Canada was one of the most frequently lobbied government departments, according to new statistics from the lobbying commissioner’s annual report.
Foreign oil lobbying and Canada’s energy policy
Foreign-owned and foreign-influenced oil and gas corporations are lobbying to sway Canada’s environmental and energy policies — and now is the time for environmentalists to turn up the heat against this practice, says political economist Gordon Laxer.
Sen. Galvez calls for lobbying reform to limit industry influence on government policy
Independent Sen. Rosa Galvez was struck by the influence lobbyists have on environmental regulation and the imbalanced nature of government consultations when she joined the Senate in December 2016.
'They owe you at least until the next election': Critic slams change easing cooling-off periods for lobbyists
Lobbyists working the halls of Parliament on behalf of interest groups will soon have new rules around campaigning for politicians and stricter rules around gift giving.
How does lobbying work?
Many Canadians don't realize lobbying shapes the laws and policies that govern our day-to-day lives, affecting the country's future. A lobbyist’s main objective is to influence government decisions and legislation in the interest of their client — but what does this actually mean?