“There are two elements of the lobbying universe of what we need to know. You need to know how decisions are made in government—the steps, the timelines, where the decision-making authority lies, the machinery of government—and you also need to know why decisions are made. That’s the political element. As a basic prerequisite to having anything intelligent coming out of your mouth is a fundamental understanding of those two and how they interact. If you look at the list, you see people who have had in-depth experience in the bureaucratic or political worlds or both. It helps to have an interest in politics as well,” one lobbyist, who did not want to be identified, told The Hill Times.
“The more experience you have, the more accurate your expectations. Someone who’s honest with their clients is going to have a better career than someone telling their client what they want to hear.”
In terms of strategy, one lobbyist said it’s about “aligning interests” between the client or association and the government’s priorities in the political climate of the day.
There’s a big difference between changing the government’s mind and making a good public policy decision, however.
For example, one lobbyist said, “government indicates it wants to do A, A is not in my interest, I convince them to do B, and I’ve taken the world to a worse place. Effective lobbying to me is the government indicates it wants to do A, clearly it’s not in my interest but there are other reasons why that may not be the best solution and my job is to make sure that decision makers are aware of those wider implications.”
When governments get public policy wrong, they have not looked at the unintended consequences of a move.
“So if showing them that B is a better way to meet whatever public policy or public good objectives are, and maybe do it quicker, cheaper and faster, that’s a legitimate debate, right? At the end of the day, we’re not the decision maker but if we have provided the decision maker with the most credible information we can, a lot of times, it’s very effective.”
One of the best strategies a former MP, who did not want to be named, said they saw in terms of lobbying was the “David and Goliath” fight between the big banks and the small insurance brokers when bank mergers were the big issue.
“The banks were extremely well-financed and connected to politicians and bureaucrats and had a strong desire to change the regulatory framework. On the other side was the independent insurance brokers who feared the larger banks would be able to absorb the insurance business, which would lead to tied selling,” the lobbyist said.
The insurance brokers set off to engage every single individual MP to get them on their side by outlining how jobs could be lost in their ridings, and what the economic impact would be. “David won,” the lobbyist said.
But losing on a file is not a loss in a black-and-white sense. The government’s decision to block BHP Billiton from buying Saskatchewan’s Potash Corp., is an example of how the political climate trumped what potentially could’ve been a good public policy decision.
“Clearly on that one the political situation both in Saskatchewan and the election timing federally would’ve played into that and the smart lobbyist understands the environment they’re in and tries to position their ask in such a way that’s reinforced by other factors. In a situation like that, the consequences of a ‘yes’ you get wrong are a lot higher than a ‘no’ you get wrong. A no can always become a yes, a yes can never become a no. The path of least resistance politically was to be seen to be defending Potash,” a lobbyist said. “That’s the kind of phraseology that finds its way into the discussions between people who have certain amounts of respect for another.”
Although many of the people on this year’s list are former political staffers or senior bureaucrats who have a lot of connections, effective lobbying is not about “who you know in the PMO.” Insiders say while it’s important to maintain and foster relationships while strategizing for the “long game,” getting by on your Rolodex is not good lobbying.
“I think we have to recognize that the industry itself suffers from a bit of a stigma, you know, backroom, secret, bags of money, undue influence, and all this,” he said. “There’s incidents in the past where I think people have thought that was what lobbying was and they were lobbyists too, [so] it’s a self-inflicted wound. To me, the way I like to characterize it, is that it’s about managing stakeholders.”
Another lobbyist said that good lobbyists “are immune to staff changes, Cabinet shuffles and changes in government. This may be disappointing to certain MPs and activists who enjoy a good witch-hunt, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Our work is an essential part of the democratic process—by giving voice to stakeholders, big and small and of all sectors, we help to level the playing field.”
There are currently 808 registered consultant lobbyists. There are 1,758 in-house corporation lobbyists, and 2,599 in-house organization lobbyists.
After deliberations with several political and government insiders, The Hill Times narrowed down the top lobbyists from the thousands who are registered to the best 100.
It takes into account several factors: the lobbyists have to be registered with the Office of the Lobbying Commissioner, they have to be influential with the current Conservative government or have the ability to manoeuvre their way through the federal bureaucracy in order to move their, or their client’s file, and/or they have to represent an organization with clout, not only in size, but with public policy issues at the forefront of today’s political climate. There are also several new “up and comers” and in-house lobbyists who don’t necessarily represent the typical large, corporate Canadian industries, but who are successful in bringing to light important social policies.
The Hill Times presents the Top 100 Lobbyists of 2012.
André Albinati
Earnscliffe Strategy Group
Prior to joining Earnscliffe Strategy Group as a principal in 2002, André Albinati was a Liberal Hill staffer during the Chrétien and Martin years. Insiders say he has the experience and in-depth knowledge on the machinery of government to effectively move his clients’ files. Mr. Albinati, who previously also worked as a political staffer in Alberta, is registered to lobby on behalf of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, University of Alberta, Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies and the Canadian Clean Technology Coalition.
David Angus
Capital Hill Group
David Angus is perhaps one the busiest lobbyists in town, with 39 active registrations. The former PMO staffer under prime minister Brian Mulroney has more than 30 years of experience in and around the Parliamentary Precinct as well provincial politics, and specializes in procurement, defence and transport policy. He is registered to lobby the federal government on behalf of Telesat Canada, the Police Association of Ontario, Canadian Motorsports Heritage Museum, Sierra Systems and Postmedia, among several others.
Jim Armour
Summa Strategies
New to the list, but not new to the Parliament Hill community is Jim Armour, vice-president of public affairs at Summa Strategies. Prior to joining Summa, the affable and knowledgeable Mr. Armour spent almost 10 years as a Reform and Conservative staffer. With years of experience as the communications director for both then Reform leader Preston Manning and then-opposition leader Stephen Harper, Mr. Armour filled the same role for the Canadian Medical Association when he left the Hill. He’s registered to lobby the federal government on behalf of Cisco Systems Canada, Nalcor Energy, Mounted Police Members’ Legal Fund, Ocean Choice International.
Carl Baltare
Global Public Affairs
With 30 years of experience in the lobbying industry, and an expertise in the health and life sciences sector, Carl Baltare will be influential in the ongoing intellectual property debate through the Canada-EU trade agreement. Mr. Baltare is registered to lobby for Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies—which is arguing in favour of the EU’s proposal to extend exclusive IP rights to name-brand drug companies by three and a half years—Bayer Inc., Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation and Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., among several others.
Perrin Beatty
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is one of the most powerful lobbies in the country, not least of which is because its 420-member chambers of commerce represents 192,000 businesses from across the country. With former Conservative Cabinet minister Perrin Beatty at its helm, the chamber has an experienced, knowledgeable and effective chief executive officer who is able to easily garner the government’s attention on a variety of issues.
Pierre Beaudoin
Bombardier Inc.
Pierre Beaudoin first joined Bombardier in 1985 and since then, the 50-year-old has climbed the ranks to become its president and CEO in 2008. He recently travelled to China with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a sign of his influence in not only the aerospace industry but on the government itself. The Conservatives are listening to Mr. Beaudoin, as he lobbies on several issues such as the Canada-EU trade agreement, research and development tax credits and procurement for upcoming defence contracts.
Andrew Bevan
Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement Secretariat
Andrew Bevan is the former chief of staff to then-opposition leader Stéphane Dion and the architect of the Liberal Party’s “Green Shift” electoral platform. Even though the Liberals lost that election, insiders say he “knows his file” and is “well-positioned and well-known in his sphere,” which will serve the newly-created Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement Secretariat well as its first executive director. Mr. Bevan spent 14 years on the Hill, and was the executive director of the nonprofit Sustainable Prosperity. New to the list, insiders say Mr. Bevan’s political and policy experience will serve him well as the Secretariat gets off the ground.
Mirko Bibic
Bell Canada
Mirko Bibic is Bell Canada’s senior vice-president, regulatory and government affairs at a time when much is happening on the telecommunications file. As such, he will be an influential player on a number of hot topics, such as copyright, the upcoming spectrum auction, and even the controversial Bill C-30, the so-called Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act, legislation to give police and intelligence agencies sweeping internet surveillance powers. He’s in for a busy year.
Heidi Bonnell
Rogers Communications Inc.
The telecommunications file is heating up, and as VP of GR, Heidi Bonnell will be front and centre. Ms. Bonnell is a fixture on the Hill and is highly-regarded not only for her Newfoundland charm, but also because of her expertise in how government works. Despite her Liberal background, Ms. Bonnell is seen as an effective, non-partisan lobbyist with a wide network of contacts. It’s why her non-profit initiatives, such as Hope Live, are always successful.
Tim Boston
Capital Power Corporation
Tim Boston is a former Conservative staffer to ministers during the prime minister Brian Mulroney era who knows the ins and outs of government, both on the bureaucratic side and the political side. As the vice-president of government relations and public policy, Mr. Boston will be influential on the energy debate, especially when it comes to any potential climate change plans. Mr. Boston is registered to lobby the federal government on environment and energy issues, and more specifically, climate change and regulations surrounding carbon and the phasing out of coal-fired power plants.
Don Boudria
Hill and Knowlton
As a former senior Parliamentarian with more than 20 years of service to his credit, Don Boudria is one of the most knowledgeable lobbyists on the machinery of government. He was also a former Public Works minister, who knows how to balance his clients’ files with the political environment of the day.
Scott Bradley
Huawei Technologies Canada
After running unsuccessfully in the last federal election in Ottawa Centre, former Liberal candidate Scott Bradley is in the government relations world. The former Hill staffer is the VP of corporate and government affairs of Chinese telecom Huawei during a time when the government is focused on expanding trade with China. The company employs 200 people in its Markham, Ont., head office and 80 people at its research and development centre in Ottawa, and is an emerging player in Canada’s telecoms industry. Mr. Bradley’s files include international policy on trade and investment, spectrum allocation, innovation and security programs.
Diane Brisebois
Retail Council of Canada
Diane Brisebois has been the voice of Canada’s retail industry for almost two decades. Representing more than 45,000 storefronts, Ms. Brisebois in her role as the president and CEO, advocates for Canada’s independent retailers, regional and national chain stores, discount and department stores. Insiders say she is well-respected in the GR industry and has the government’s ear, especially during this period of economic recovery.
Brock Carlton
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
New to the list, FCM’s chief executive officer Brock Carlton is responsible for raising the profile of cities’ and municipalities’ transportation and infrastructure issues on the national agenda. Insiders say after more than 20 years at its helm, Mr. Brock has done an excellent job and will continue to do so as the federal government moves to offload several of its initiatives and programs to the provinces and cities. Mr. Brock is registered to lobby the feds on issues ranging from community safety and crime prevention to sustainable development and infrastructure programming funding.
Terry Campbell
Canadian Bankers Association
The CBA will be busy this year on a number of fronts, not least of which is because it will continue to have the government’s ear on economic issues going forward with the recovery from the recession and a potential bubble burst in the housing market. As its president and spokesperson, Terry Campbell will play an influential role. Prior to joining the CBA in 1997, Mr. Campbell spent 16 years in the public service as a director responsible for financial services. With his experience, insiders say he’ll effectively work with the federal government.
John Capobianco
Fleishman-Hillard Canada Inc.
With 20 years of experience in provincial politics and GR expertise, insiders say John Capobianco is a highly-regarded lobbyist who knows the federal scene well. A longtime Tory who ran as a candidate in the 2004 and 2006 federal elections, Mr. Capobianco has a wide network of contacts and the knowledge of how government works to effectively lobby for his clients.
Peter Clark
Grey, Clark, Shih and Associates, Limited
A longtime former bureaucrat at the Department of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Peter Clark is a veteran lobbyist whose expertise lies in international trade and regulated industries and services. He is considered one of the statesmen of the lobbying industry and his clients include the Dairy Farmers of Canada, Food Processors of Canada, U.S. Lumber Coalition, Canada Pork International, Chicken Farmers of Canada and Japan Iron and Steel Federation.
Paul-Émile Cloutier
Canadian Medical Association
Paul-Émile Cloutier has years of experience as a bureaucrat, a political staffer, and now the Canadian Medical Association’s longtime head. As presidents get elected each year and change, Mr. Cloutier is the one holding down the fort. As health care moves to the forefront of public policy on the federal agenda, Mr. Cloutier will become more influential in the debate, even though the government has unilaterally made a decision on future funding—insiders say the provinces won’t let up, and healthcare associations will also step in to have their say.
Michael Coates
Hill and Knowlton Canada
H&K is one of the world’s biggest communications and GR firms and as its president and CEO, Michael Coates has an influential voice in Canada’s public policy arena. He has more than 30 years of experience in the political and lobbying worlds, having worked as a Conservative staffer and on numerous federal campaigns. Insiders say he is well regarded, knowledgeable, and effective.
David Collyer
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
With the U.S. administration vetoing the Keystone XL pipeline last year, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers will be ramping up its lobbying efforts on the energy file. The government has shown it’s on CAPP’s side, and so as CAPP’s president, David Collyer has the government’s ear. Mr. Collyer, a former president and Canada country chair of Shell Canada, represents almost 300 companies and associate members whose industry makes up a revenue of more than $120-billion per year.
Patrick Daniel
Enbridge
As president and CEO of Enbridge and Caldwell Partners’ 2011 Outstanding CEO of the year, Patrick Daniel has an influential voice on the energy portfolio, especially this year. U.S. President Barack Obama vetoed the Keystone XL pipeline last year, and the federal government has said it will take Canadian oil elsewhere, namely China. On Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s most recent trip to China to promote trade, Mr. Daniel was one of a few to travel with him, and they were doing just that—promoting Canadian resources. Enbridge is also working on the Northern Gateway pipeline, which will also be at the top of the federal government’s agenda.
Paul Davidson
AUCC
Insiders say the lobbying environment will change this year because of an austere budget, lack of new funding and major policy proposals, but one area that’s sure to remain at the top of the federal government’s agenda is the innovation sector. It’s in this aspect that the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada’s Paul Davidson will play a major role. Mr. Davidson is registered to lobby the federal government on Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Bill; immigration reform, the Canada Research Chairs program, and the Lobbying Act.
Duncan Dee
Air Canada
Duncan Dee is Air Canada’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer who recently joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper on his trip to China. A former Liberal Cabinet Hill staffer to Sheila Copps, Mr. Dee is seen as knowledgeable and effective and is registered to lobby the federal government on issues such as international trade, labour, tourism, and competitiveness among others.
Marc Desmarais
Sussex Strategy Group Inc.
New to the list, Marc Desmarais leads Sussex Strategy Group’s GR practice. He has more than 25 years of experience as a political staffer and lobbyist for various organizations, including Rx&D and the Canadian Medical Association. A former Liberal Hill staffer to MPs Alain Tardif and Jean-Claude Malepart, Mr. Desmarais also served as EA to former Liberal International Cooperation minister Diane Marleau. Mr. Desmarais has 16 registrations. His clients include: Prostate Cancer Canada, which has had a successful awareness campaign, especially on the Hill, Sony Canada, Proctor and Gamble Inc., UPS Canada and Bromine Science and Environmental Forum.
Richard Dunn
Encana Corp.
Encana remains a top player on the energy file, and as vice-president of regulatory and external relations, Richard Dunn has a big part to play. He joined Encana in 2002 and was a former chief production engineer at PanCanadian Petroleum. He’s registered to lobby the federal government on energy and climate change issues, tax policy, innovation, and resource management.
Susan Eng
Canadian Association of Retired Persons
The pension issue exploded recently with PM Stephen Harper noting the feds may raise the Old Age Security eligibility age from 65 to 67, but Susan Eng has been ahead of the curve in fighting for and raising awareness on seniors’ issues. As baby boomers begin to retire and their issues become more prevalent, Ms. Eng, as CARP’s VP of advocacy will be one of the leading voices to shape the debate. She is a former co-chair of the Ontario Coalition of Chinese Head Tax Payers and Families which successfully lobbied for a Parliamentary apology to Chinese-Canadian families. Ms. Eng is new to the list.
Robert Evershed
Prospectus Associates
Robert Evershed co-founded Prospectus Associates 20 years ago after leaving the Hill and the federal bureaucracy. A former staffer in prime minister Brian Mulroney’s PMO, Mr. Evershed is well-versed in the machinery of government and knows how to move a file. Prior to Prospectus, Mr. Evershed worked at the Export Development Corporation and has an expertise in international trade, defence procurement, pharmaceutical policy and environment technology development. He has 13 registrations, some of which include Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Canada and Red Bull Canada.
Ian Faris
Brewers Association of Canada
Ian Faris, president and chief executive officer of the Brewers Association of Canada, has years of experience on the Hill, having served in four Liberal Cabinet ministers’ offices before joining the private sector at Hill and Knowlton. He joined the Brewers Association of Canada in 2007, and insiders say he’s well liked and influential on a number of issues including food and beverage labeling. He’s also well-known in the lobbying community for supporting various charity events.
Marlene Floyd
Earnscliffe Strategy Group
New to the list, Marlene Floyd is seen as an up-and-comer in the lobbying industry. The former staffer to former prime minister Paul Martin when he was the Finance minister, and former Industry minister David Emerson specializes in the telecommunications and broadcasting sector, including copyright and information technology and areas such as automotive and mining. Insiders say Ms. Floyd is a “smart and capable” lobbyist. She’s registered to lobby the federal government on behalf of Joint Canadian Tanning Association, Canadian Urban Transit Association, Shaw Communications, Microsoft Canada, General Motors of Canada and Iron Ore Company of Canada.
Philippe Gervais
Capital Hill Group
Philippe Gervais is a former Conservative Hill staffer under Brian Mulroney’s government who has an expertise in procurement, trade and international issues. He is based out of Capital Hill Group’s Montreal office, but insiders say he can be seen very often in Ottawa effectively lobbying the federal government on a variety of issues. He currently has nine registrations, and his clients include Sanofi Pasteur, Egg Farmers of Canada, Canadian Recording Industry Association and Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association.
Andy Gibbons
Hill and Knowlton
Andy Gibbons’ name may be familiar to politicos in the Parliamentary Precinct as having been the recipient of a leaked House Finance Committee report last year, but insiders say he has “done his time” and is emerging as an up-and-comer lobbyist. “He is the strong silent workhorse of Hill and Knowlton. He is well-respected by his clients, competitors and people on Parliament Hill,” one insider said. He currently has 11 registrations, including: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Canadian Association of Broadcasters, WestJet, Maple Leaf Foods, and GCT Global Container Terminals Inc.
Brian Gilbertson
Agrium Inc.
A former Liberal Hill staffer to three ministers, Brian Gilbertson is new to the list and insiders say he will have an influential voice when it comes to the agriculture debate of the Canada-EU trade agreement, as Agrium is one of the leading producers of fertilizer. With an emphasis on organic in Europe, Mr. Gilbertson will have a busy year. The government is also focused on the Growing Forward 2 strategy, of which he will also play a role in contributing to the policy debate.
Pierre Gratton
Mining Association of Canada
Pierre Gratton was appointed as the Mining Association of Canada’s president and CEO, taking over for longtime head Gordon Peeling, last year. By all accounts, he’s done a good job so far and will be busy with Canada’s mining industry’s corporate social responsibility agenda in the coming year. The Canadian International Development Agency recently established foreign aid projects with mining companies in an attempt to allow foreign aid to help economic growth and international trade. It’s something the MAC successfully pushed for.
Sandra Graham
Capital Hill Group
Sandra Graham is registered to lobby the federal government on behalf of 15 companies, the majority of which are pushing for changes to the Copyright Act. With more than 20 years of experience as a former Conservative Hill staffer and government relations and communications expert at various associations, Ms. Graham is well-suited to help her clients navigate the debate. Her clients include Access Copyright, Motion Picture Association Canada, Canadian Media Production Association, and Canada Media Fund, among others.
Bruce Hartley
Prospectus Associates in Corporate Development
Bruce Hartley is one of the ultimate Ottawa insiders. As former prime minister Jean Chrétien’s executive assistant, Mr. Hartley is a veteran politico who knows his way in and around politics and the bureaucracy. He’s currently registered to lobby on behalf of Agro-Hall Ltd., Ericsson Canada Inc., Pelmorex Media Inc., EMC Corporation and Wal-Mart Canada Inc.
Tracey Hubley
Summa Strategies Canada
Tracey Hubley is recognized as one of the leading procurement experts in Ottawa who is well-respected on all sides of the political spectrum, despite her Liberal ties as a former Hill staffer to former International Trade minister Roy MacLaren, and Diane Marleau, former Public Works minister and International Cooperation minister. She’s currently registered to lobby on behalf of Cisco Systems Canada, Seaspan Marine Company, Ernst & Young, Boeing Global Sales Corporation, Provincial Aerospace, Navistar Defense, and Avcorp Industries Inc.
Jacqueline Hushion
Canadian Publishers’ Council
New to the list, Jacqueline Hushion, executive director of the Canadian Publishers’ Council has been busy advocating for the publishing industry as the copyright file heats up. CPC is concerned about educational exceptions, technological neutrality, and remedies for infringement, among other issues.
Goldy Hyder
Hill and Knowlton
Goldy Hyder, H&K’s general manager and senior VP, will be instrumental in shaping the public policy debate this year, as evidenced by his client roster. The former chief of staff to former prime minister Joe Clark from 2000-2001 is registered to lobby for companies involved in the hottest files: Rx&D, Pfizer Canada, Talisman Energy Inc., Athabasca Oil Sands Corporation and Bell Canada, among several others.
Joe Jordan
Capital Hill Group
As a former Liberal MP and Parliamentary secretary to Jean Chrétien, Joe Jordan knows very well how governments work. Before getting elected, Mr. Jordan was a senior staffer to the Treasury Board president, which gives him a unique experience not only to lobby, but also to teach, which he does at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business. He’s registered for 11 clients.
Patrick Kennedy
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
As the senior director of government relations at CIBC, Patrick Kennedy has the political experience and industry knowledge to be an effective lobbyist. He will be busy on a number of files this year, with the upcoming statutory Bank Act review and the ongoing economic recovery. He’s a former chief of staff to former House Speaker Peter Milliken. Prior to joining CIBC in 2009, he was the former director of government relations at the Canadian Bankers Association.
Tim Kennedy
Spectra Energy Corp.
Tim Kennedy was on the list last year as a consultant lobbyist for Global Public Affairs. His expertise in the natural resources and energy sector brought him over to the vice-president of federal government affairs position at Spectra. Insiders say he’s knowledgeable and will be an influential voice on the energy agenda.
Gerald Kerr-Wilson
Fasken Martineau, DuMoulin LLP
Gerald Kerr-Wilson is a veteran lobbyist who specializes in telecommunications regulatory policy. He’s currently registered to represent 10 clients, all of which are telecommunications companies interested in copyright and broadcasting issues. With the spectrum auction, Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Bill, and Bill C-30, the so-called Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act, legislation to give police and intelligence agencies sweeping internet surveillance powers at the top of the agenda, Mr. Kerr-Wilson will help his clients navigate the debate.
Charles King
Shaw Communications
In addition to his job as the VP of GR at Shaw, Charles King is the president of the Government Relations Institute of Canada, a lobby organization for the industry which is currently advocating changes to the Lobbying Act. The former Liberal Hill staffer is well-regarded on all sides of the political spectrum and very knowledgeable on his file. He’s also well-respected in the community for his involvement with charitable events.
Brian Klunder
Fleishman-Hillard Canada Inc.
Brian Klunder is an experienced former Liberal Hill staffer who specializes in health care, food policy, agriculture and transportation issues. Mr. Klunder is new to the list. Insiders say he’s a capable lobbyist who’s dedicated to his clients. His clients include Encana Corporation, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., and Kinder Morgan Canada Inc., among several others. He also sits on the board of the Government Relations Institute of Canada.
Gar Knutson
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
As a former Liberal MP for 11 years and a lawyer by trade, Gar Knutson is seen as a well-regarded and experienced government relations expert who knows the ins and outs of how government works. His clients include Association of Canadian Publishers, AltaGas Ltd., and Council of Turkish Canadians.
Jacqueline LaRocque
Ensight Canada
Jacqueline LaRocque is the managing director for Ensight Canada, and has years of experience as a former Liberal Hill staffer to the former minister of International Trade, a federal bureaucrat and a communications and government relations expert in the private sector who knows the inner workings of government. She is well-known in the lobbying community for her non-partisan approach to government relations and has a wide network of contacts from all sides of the political spectrum. Ms. LaRocque is also highly regarded for her work in the non-profit sector as a volunteer and organizer for a number of charities. She’s also an active board member of the Government Relations Institute of Canada. Her clients include Enbridge, Rx&D and Johnson & Johnson, among others.
Avrim Lazar
Forest Products Association of Canada
Insiders say Avrim Lazar, Forest Products Association of Canada’s president and CEO, was first appointed to his position in 2002 and has since “made the job his own.” One insider said he is the Tom D’Aquino of the forestry industry, and thus has the government’s ear on a number of issues, including border security, climate change, transportation, water and tax policy.
Bernard Lord
Canadian Wireless and Telecommunications Association
As a former Conservative New Brunswick premier, Bernard Lord remains an influential player on the telecommunications front and will be even busier this year advocating on behalf of his members. He has the government’s ear on issues such as copyright, spectrum auctions, and now Bill C-30, the controversial bill which will allow police to compel internet service providers to hand over information about their clients.
James Lorimer
Lorimer Public Affairs
James Lorimer is one a few lobbyists who have remained successful as a self-employed consultant lobbyist. Insiders say he organizes one of the most of successful and must-attend lobby days on the Hill for his client, the Direct Sellers Association of Canada. His other clients include the Canadian Real Estate Association, BMO Financial Group and Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Greg MacEachern
Environics
Greg MacEachern joined Environics last year, heading up its Ottawa government relations practice as its vice-president. He has 10 years of experience in three levels of government and knows how to navigate the bureaucracy well. Insiders say Mr. MacEachern, a former Hill staffer to Belinda Stronach when she was the Human Resources Minister, is an effective strategic communicator. His profile has been raised in recent years with TV gigs as a political commentator. He’s registered to lobby the government on behalf of Workopolis.
Kevin MacIntosh
Fleishman-Hillard Canada Inc.
Kevin MacIntosh is an experienced government relations expert who knows the machinery of government and Parliament well. A former Conservative Hill staffer who is an expert in the financial services and telecommunications industry, he’s registered to lobby on behalf of Visa Canada, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. and Canadian Institute of Actuaries, among others.
Ken Mackay
Policy Insights
Ken Mackay is a veteran lobbyist who has an expertise in defence and procurement. His experience includes seven years as a Liberal ministerial staffer and eight years in the federal public service in Industry Canada’s space division. His skills and knowledge attracted companies such as L-3 Communications Canada, Com Dev International and Armatec Survivability.
John Manley
Canadian Council of Chief Executives
As the president and CEO of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, John Manley is arguably one of the most powerful and influential lobbyists in the country. Although Mr. Manley spent 16 years as an elected official under the Liberal banner who held several Cabinet portfolios, this Conservative government likes and listens to whatever he has to say.
John Masswohl
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
For all the beef lovers on the Hill, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association hosts one of the biggest lobby days on Parliament to showcase Canada’s beef industry. New to the list, insiders say John Masswohl, CCA’s director of government and international relations, has done a superb job on getting agriculture on the federal agenda. The Conservative government is focused on the Growing Forward 2 action plan, and Mr. Masswohl will be an influential voice during debate. With the CETA trade agreement ongoing, supply management will also be one issue on his advocacy list.
Randall McCauley
Canadian Real Estate Association
With the economic recovery still fragile and reports that Canada’s housing market is a bubble that could burst, one of the organizations the government will look to before making changes to housing policy is the CREA. As CREA’s vice-president of government and public relations, Randall McCauley will play a key role in helping to shape public policy on this front.
Velma McColl
Earnscliffe Strategy Group
Velma McColl is a former Liberal Hill staffer who advised five ministers during the Chrétien era. She is an expert on energy, environment and green technology issues and is currently registered to lobby on behalf of Spectra Energy Transmission, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., The Canadian Clean Technology Coalition, Iron Ore Company of Canada, Enhance Energy inc., and Integrated CO2 Network.
Cate McCready
BIOTECanada
Cate McCready is BIOTECanada’s vice-president of external affairs who previously worked in Jean Chrétien’s PMO as a special assistant for Ontario. Before that, she was the communications and legislative assistant to former Indian Affairs and Northern Development minister Ron Irwin and former Canadian Heritage minister Sheila Copps. One insider said that although Ms. McCready, who advocates for the biotechnology industry on a wide range of issues from vaccines to intellectual property rights in Canada-EU trade negotiations, was a “hyper-partisan” Liberal, “she found out how to make it work” as a lobbyist with an even more hyper-partisan Conservative government.
Gord McIntosh
Self-employed consultant
Gord McIntosh is a rare breed of lobbyist whose experience doesn’t come from being a partisan political staffer or a bureaucrat. He covered government and politics for more than 20 years as a journalist with The Canadian Press before joining the government relations world. During that time, he cultivated a wide network of contacts and formed an in-depth knowledge of how governments work. His clients include the Russian Federation, Tribal Wi-Chi-Way Capital Corporation and A to Z Memorial.
Robin MacLachlan
Summa Strategies
Prior to joining Summa Strategies, Robin MacLachlan worked for former NDP leader Ed Broadbent and NDP MP Paul Dewar. He’s one of the rare NDP staffers now employed in consulting lobbying and he’s been in demand for political panel punditry since the NDP formed the official opposition in last May’s election. His clients include the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, Food and Consumer Products of Canada, Rugby Canada, Cisco Systems Canada, Mounted Police Members’ Legal Fund and Ocean Choice International.
Rick Moorcroft
Wellington Strategy Group
A former staffer to Conservative ministers under Brian Mulroney, Rick Moorcroft is a veteran lobbyist who specializes in military procurement. He’s currently registered to lobby on behalf of General Dynamics Land Systems and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
Don Moors
Temple Scott Associates Inc.
Don Moors is an expert in the financial services, and as the House of Commons begins its statutory Bank Act review, he will play a key role in shaping the debate on behalf of his clients, including Citibank Canada, Mastercard Canada Inc., Capital One Bank, and TransUnion of Canada, among several others. He has an in-depth knowledge of the industry and how government works. He previously served as a special assistant to the former Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions Doug Peters.
Peggy Morgan
Royal Bank of Canada
The House of Commons will soon conduct a study of the Bank Act and other mandatory reviews of several pieces of financial legislation, Peggy Morgan is expected to take one of the lead roles in the debate. She’s registered to lobby the government on a number of other issues, including the payments processing system, pensions and the Investment Canada Act.
Jayson Myers
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Year after year, Jayson Myers continues to be a top lobbyist because of his reputation as a smart, non-partisan and straightforward government relations expert. It also helps that he’s the president of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, an association that represents 75 per cent of total Canadian manufacturing production and 90 per cent of Canadian exports. He has the government’s ear on several issues from border crossings, the Canada-EU trade agreement, climate change and labour.
Geoff Norquay
Earnscliffe Strategy Group
Geoff Norquay is a veteran lobbyist who has years of experience in the political and private sector. A former Conservative staffer, he is a trusted political insider that media seek for commentary. He’s well regarded by the lobbying community and respected as a knowledgeable and valuable government relations expert. He currently represents 14 clients.
Patrick O’Donnell
CFN Consultants
Insiders say as the former vice-chief of the defence staff for the Canadian Forces and former assistant deputy minister at DND after 36 years in the CF, Patrick O’Donnell is one of the top procurement experts in the country. He’s registered to lobby the federal government for 11 clients, all defence heavy hitters including: Lockheed Martin Canada, Sikorsky Canada and CAE Inc.
Tim Page
CADSI
The Conservative government’s focus on defence and security makes Tim Page’s job very relevant. Mr. Page, CADSI’s president, is registered to lobby the government on modernizing Canada’s procurement process, and ensure that Canada’s defence and security industry benefits from any future procurement by improving the industrial and regional benefits program.
James Patrick
CWTA
Former New Brunswick premier Bernard Lord is his boss, but insiders say James Patrick, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association’s senior VP, is a top lobbyist because of his in-depth knowledge not only on his files but also the inner workings of government. He also works extremely hard and contributes to the lobbying community as an active Government Relations Institute of Canada board member.
Pierre Karl Péladeau
Quebecor Inc.
Quebecor president Pierre Karl Péladeau has had a busy year politically, with setting up Sun TV and calling on CBC to release information about employee salaries that it refuses to do under ATIP legislation. Insiders say the president of such a large corporation would not normally be so active, but Mr. Péladeau can often be seen in Ottawa lobbying on a variety of issues. Politics aside, there are several policy issues that he will be focused on, such as copyright, the spectrum auction, and new media.
Richard Phillips
Grain Growers of Canada
Richard Phillips is the executive director of Grain Growers of Canada and a key voice in the agriculture sector. In addition, he was one of the industry voices to lobby in support of the government’s move to eliminate the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly on wheat and barley. As Canada negotiates agricultural issues in the European Union free trade agreement, Mr. Phillips will play an influential role.
William Pristanski
Prospectus Associates
William Pristanski co-founded Prospectus Associates and is a well-known lobbyist who knows the inner workings of the machinery of government very well. As a former Conservative staffer who was Brian Mulroney’s executive assistant and later chief of staff to several ministers, Mr. Pristanski is a veteran in government relations and political circles. Insiders say he knows where many proverbial bodies are buried. He currently has 17 registrations, including the National Hockey League, Bank of Nova Scotia, Wal-Mart Canada, Canadian Beverage Association, Canadian Vintners Association and Ericsson Canada Inc.
Tim Powers
Summa Strategies Canada
Tim Powers leads a successful team of GR consultants. Recently, Summa was behind three successful campaigns: the $8-billion Seaspan contract, the $6.2-billion loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill hydroelectricity project, and the volunteer firefighters tax credit in the 2011 budget. Mr. Powers is a high-profile former Tory staffer who insiders say they respect because he is not hyper-partisan, is an effective strategist in moving files, and because he contributes immensely to the GR community and non-profit sector by organizing charitable events.
Dennis Prouse
Croplife Canada
Croplife Canada will be busy this year as Canada negotiates the European Union free trade agreement’s intellectual property rights provisions. As its vice-president of government affairs, Dennis Prouse will be a key voice at the table. He is very knowledgeable about how government runs and is well-known in the lobbying community for his ability to work with politicians of all stripes and industry stakeholders. He also sits on the Government Relations Institute of Canada board.
Jim Quick
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Jim Quick is new to the list, having replaced longtime Aerospace Industries president and CEO Claude Lajeunesse last year. He has a political and bureaucratic background and understands well how government works. He’s served four ministers at the federal level in both Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien governments, and is a former assistant deputy minister of corporate communications with the government of New Brunswick. He’s registered to lobby the federal government on a number issues including the Canada-EU trade agreement, industrial and regional benefits for Canada’s aerospace industry, and tax incentive policies to innovate.
Mark Quinn
Quinn Public Affairs
Mark Quinn specializes in aboriginal issues and as the government focuses on the addressing issues facing aboriginal peoples in Canada, he will be an influential player throughout the debate. Prior to starting his own company, Quinn Public Affairs, he was a consultant with Capital Hill Group and a former chief of staff to Liberal Indian and Northern Affairs minister Robert Nault. He is currently a strategic adviser to the government of Northwest Territories. He is registered to lobby on behalf of Chemawawin Cree Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation (Grand Rapids First Nations), Mackenzie Aboriginal Corporation, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Terratech Inc.
Beatrice Raffoul
Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations
Beatrice Raffoul cut her political teeth as a Liberal Hill staffer first in opposition and then in government. Over her 12 years of experience on the Hill, she served two ministers. As the healthcare debate heats up, Ms. Raffoul will be a key voice. She’s registered to lobby the federal government on health human resources, funding for public hospitals, increasing funding for health research and implementing a ‘national health innovation action plan for the health/life sciences sector.’
Cyrus Reporter
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
A lawyer by training, Cyrus Reporter is the national co-leader of the public policy practice group at Fraser Milner Casgrain, LLP who specializes in energy, cleantech and climate change issues. As a former Liberal Cabinet Hill staffer who served three ministers as chief of staff over 10 years, Mr. Reporter is well versed on how the government runs. He’s currently registered to lobby the federal government on behalf of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, Surety Association of Canada and MTS Allstream.
Patrick Robert
Fraser Milner Casgrain
Patrick Robert is a fresh face to the list, but not to political Ottawa. He’s served two Conservative ministers, including Rona Ambrose when she was the Environment Minister and John Baird when he was the Treasury Board president. Mr. Robert is one of the first batch of staffers categorized as designated public office holders who were restricted from registered lobbying under the Federal Accountability’s five-year ban to become unrestricted. He’s now registered to lobby on behalf of a number of clients, including: TimberWest Forest Corporation, MTS Allstream, Cameco Corporation, Surety Association of Canada and the Entertainment Software Association of Canada.
Walter Robinson
Rx&D
Walter Robinson was on this list last year as a consultant lobbyist for Tactix Government Consulting Inc. He’s since moved over to Rx&D, Canada’s research-based pharmaceutical companies as its vice-president of government affairs. He previously ran as a Conservative candidate in Ottawa-Orleans, Ont., and is a former chief of staff to former Ottawa mayor Larry O’Brien. He’ll be focused on the Canada-EU free trade agreement and pushing the federal government to adopt Europe’s intellectual property rights regime.
Bryan Rogers
Scotiabank
Bryan Rogers is a new addition to the list. Mr. Rogers comes to Scotiabank’s government relations practice as its manager after seven years as a Conservative political staffer. He previously worked for Conservative MP James Rajotte, in Stephen Harper's OLO, and was Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s executive assistant from 2004-2007. Previously, with Hill and Knowlton, he’s considered an-up-and-comer in the government relations industry and will do well for himself. He’ll be busy this year with the Bank Act review and several other pieces of legislation that have mandatory reviews of the financial services sector coming up. He’ll also be lobbying the federal government on pensions, immigration and competitiveness.
Elizabeth Roscoe
Hill and Knowlton
Elizabeth Roscoe served on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s transition team in 2006, and as such was bound by the five-year lobbying ban under the Federal Accountability Act. She became eligible to be a registered lobbyist last year and has been busy since gaining new clients as H&K’s senior VP and national service leader, public affairs. She specializes in broadcasting and telecommunications policy, copyright and digital media issues as well as financial institutions and privatization. She’s currently registered to lobby the federal government for seven clients.
Lisa Samson
StrategyCorp Ottawa
Lisa Samson moved to Ottawa from Calgary in 1993 when the Reform wave took over the House of Commons. She worked as an MP’s legislative assistant before moving to former leader Preston Manning’s OLO. Ms. Samson also has experience working on federal election campaigns, including the Conservative Party’s war room in 2006. She remains connected to the party and insiders say she is an effective lobbyist who knows her stuff. She currently has 12 registrations, including the Retail Council of Canada, Quebecor Inc., Progress Energy Resources Corp., Pfizer Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Indira Samarasekera
University of Alberta
Indira Samarasekera, president of the University of Alberta, is new to the list and is registered to lobby the federal government on copyright, funding for research and scholarships, and innovation. On all these fronts, insiders say she has the government’s ear. She’s regularly called upon to serve on panels and roundtables that later serve as advice to the feds. She was a member of the Science Technology and Innovation Council, a group of special advisers to the Environment Minister at 2009’s Copenhagen Summit and the PM’s roundtable on Canada-India higher education cooperation. Insiders say she is a “really smart and serious player.”
Michael Sangster
Telus
As the government relations director for Telus, Michael Sangster will be busy this year on a variety of policy files, including copyright and the spectrum auction. He’s also registered to lobby the federal government on changes to foreign ownership restrictions in the telecom industry, innovation, and tax incentives. He is seen as a low-key but very effective lobbyist who is well-regarded by members of all political parties.
Sonya Savage
Enbridge
Like her boss Patrick Daniel, Sonya Savage will be busy navigating the energy debate, especially on the Northern Gateway pipeline. As Enbridge’s director of government relations, Ms. Savage is registered to lobby the federal government on climate change, regulatory streamlining and aboriginal crown consultation issues. She is well known in Ottawa by all Parliamentarians and in the GR community for her involvement with the charitable and non-profit sector.
Sandra Schwartz
Canadian Electricity Association
Sandra Schwartz, vice-president of policy advocacy, is new to the list. A former Liberal Hill staffer to Liberal MP Stéphane Dion when he was the Environment minister under Paul Martin and later in his and Michael Ignatieff’s OLO, insiders say she is well-versed in the machinery of government and understands her file well. Ms. Schwartz will be a key voice on the energy front and climate change debates.
Robin Sears
Ensight Canada
Robin Sears is a master communications strategist and a veteran political insider who’s served as the national director of the NDP and as a chief of staff to former Ontario premier Bob Rae. He’s registered to lobby the federal government on behalf of Barrick Gold Corporation, Enbridge Inc., and Oberon Capital Corporation.
Dan Seekings
Global Public Affairs
Dan Seekings is a former federal public service scientist, a former executive assistant to Liberal Natural Resources ministers and a geologist by trade. His experience politically and bureaucratically and his expertise in the field makes him one of the most informed lobbyists. He is expected to play an influential role in shaping the energy, environment and climate change debate for his 18 clients such as Encana Corporation, Suncor Energy Inc., BP Canada Limited, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Imperial Oil, and Shell Canada Limited among others.
Jacques Shore
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Jacques Shore is a partner at Gowling Lafleur Henderson whose extensive legal background and previous work in the federal bureaucracy has made him a successful government relations expert. Most recently, he was one of the people behind getting the government to change its mind about amendments to the Omnibus Crime Bill, C-10’s victims of terrorism related provisions, after the same amendments introduced by Liberal MP Irwin Cotler were defeated at committee. Prior to joining Gowlings as a lawyer, Mr. Shore was the director of research of the Security Intelligence Review Committee, worked on the Macdonald Royal Commission, and was co-lead counsel to the Air India Victims Families Association during the Air India Flight 182 Inquiry. He’s currently registered to lobby on behalf of Canadian Coalition Against Terror, Raytheon Canada Limited, Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Partners, D-Wave Systems Inc., and Amazon.ca.
Rick Smith
Environmental Defence
Rick Smith has more than 20 years of environmental activism behind him, and a PhD in zoology. He’s been a vocal proponent of making chemical management and toxicity a national issue and has been successful at getting the federal government to ban some chemicals. He’s also spoken out against the Alberta tar sands and most recently the Northern Gateway pipeline. He’ll continue to be outspoken on these issues as the federal government focuses on new markets for the country’s energy.
Wally Smith
Dairy Farmers of Canada
Wally Smith, a British Columbian dairy farmer who was elected president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada last year, is new to the list. As Canada negotiates a free-trade agreement with the European Union and the debate around supply management is on the table, Mr. Smith will play a key role. His association supports supply management and has been ramping up its lobbying efforts on the Hill as of late. Insiders say so far Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is listening.
Tom Stamatakis
Canadian Police Association
As the president of the Canadian Police Association, Vancouver Police Department’s Tom Stamatakis has clout these days as the federal government focuses on its law and order crime agenda. The Canadian Police Association has been a “huge promoter and advocate of a huge portion of the government’s law and order agenda,” said one insider, which means when Mr. Stamatakis speaks, the federal government listens. Most recently, Mr. Stamatakis came out in support of the controversial Bill C-30, which gives police extra internet surveillance powers. He’s also a member of the National Drug Prevention Advisory committee, which advises Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
Will Stewart
Ensight Canada
Will Stewart is a former provincial Conservative staffer during Ontario premier Mike Harris’s days, serving as chief of staff to John Baird and the former energy minister. He is an expert on energy issues and knowledgeable about how governments run. His clients include Barrick Gold Corporation, Bionich Food Safety, Sherritt International Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, Summerhill Impact, Rx&D, The Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Johnson and Johnson, the Royal Conservatory of Music and Interac Association.
Catherine Swift
CFIB
Catherine Swift has garnered a lot of attention in the last year lobbying to reform public service employees’ benefits and pensions as the head of the Candian Federation of Independent Business. As the government looks for $4-billion in savings over the next few years, Ms. Swift will be influential in the debate. As the government focuses on an austere budget and economic recovery, it will be looking to the private sector for help. In this way, Ms. Swift, who represents a majority of Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses will be lobbying the government hard to create a more business-friendly environment.
Scott Thurlow
Temple Scott Associates
A former Liberal staffer and a trained lawyer, Scott Thurlow is seen as a successful lobbyist because of his expert knowledge of his files and the machinery of government. He specializes in environment, energy and chemical management issues for clients such as: Industrial Minerals Association-North America, Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers, Canadian Fertilizer Institute, Climate Change Central and the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada.
Carla Ventin
Food and Consumer Products of Canada
Carla Ventin had a busy 2011 on a number of fronts, including on recently changed food labeling, energy drinks and natural health product regulations as the vice-president of federal government affairs for Food and Consumer Products of Canada. She has experience as a Liberal staffer to two ministers and insiders say she knows her way around Parliament and the bureaucracy very well. She sits on the Government Relations Institute.
Phil von Finckenstein
PVF Consulting Inc.
Phil von Finckenstein was a former Conservative staffer on the Hill before starting his own business. He remains well-connected to the current government, but insiders say he’s a good lobbyist because of his non-partisan style, as well as his knowledge of how government runs. He currently has 10 registrations.
Jan Westcott
Association of Canadian Distillers
Jan Westcott, president and chief executive officer of the Association of Canadian Distillers, is well known in the GR community for his involvement in and contribution to charitable events on and off the Hill. The Canadian Distillers can be seen everywhere from high profile events to various lobby days on the Hill. Mr. Westcott is registered to lobby the federal government on food and drug regulations, international trade, consumer packaging and labeling and the federal budget.
Garth Whyte
Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association
Garth Whyte represents the opposite end of supply management for dairy, having recently launched a campaign called Free Your Milk and advocating that Canadian milk prices are too high which makes milk products too high, which presents added costs to Canada’s restaurants and foodservices industry. As the Canada-EU free trade talks continue, Mr. Whyte will be ramping up his efforts.
Russell Williams
Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)
Russell Williams has been on the speaking circuit promoting the Canada-EU free trade agreement and pushing the federal government to adopt Europe’s intellectual property rights regime. Mr. Williams, a former Quebec MNA and a Parliamentary assistant to two health ministers, will continue to be influential in this debate, as the president of Rx&D. As the health care debate also heats up and talk of a national pharmaceutical strategy comes to the forefront, he will have much to say, and insiders say the government will listen.
Original Article
Source: hill times
Author: Bea Vongdouangchanh
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