Affiliate Marketing Agreements and Internet Sales Tax - Affiliate Marketing W...Gaida Zirkelbach
Slides from November 20, 2009 presentation by Gunster attorneys Gaida Zirkelbach and David Bates at the South Florida Interactive Marketing Association\'s Affiliate Marketing Workshop - Covers Affiliate Marketing Agreements and Internet Sales Tax
Affiliate Marketing Agreements and Internet Sales Tax - Affiliate Marketing W...Gaida Zirkelbach
Slides from November 20, 2009 presentation by Gunster attorneys Gaida Zirkelbach and David Bates at the South Florida Interactive Marketing Association\'s Affiliate Marketing Workshop - Covers Affiliate Marketing Agreements and Internet Sales Tax
Learn more about starting and sustaining a nonprofit in Washington, DC at www.wdcep.com/business-in-dc/starting-a-nonprofit/
June 13th, 2012: WDCEP hosted its monthly DoingBusiness2.0 speaker series. This edition focused on starting a nonprofit in DC. George Constantine, a partner at Venable LLP that counsels tax-exempt charities, trade associations, professional societies, and labor organizations, lays the groundwork to starting a nonprofit in DC.
Lobbying is a great way to press for policy changing for animals, but can be intimidating to many. Lobbying activities can be aimed at policymakers or companies. Learn how to become a successful lobbyist in this deck from WAN, then visit our free Strategic Advocacy Course for even more information! Available here: http://worldanimal.net/our-programs/strategic-advocacy-course-new/about
2018 MACE Annual Conference presentation from John Kirchner of the US Chamber of Commerce.
This presentation will include the importance of advocacy for local chambers and provide useful tools for how chambers can engage in advocacy more effectively. In addition, it provides a federal policy briefing on key issues that are important to the business community across the region and country.
Presentation developed for a series of lectures on interest groups for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Spring 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Instructor.
PA 315 Government Business RelationsChapter 7 LobbyingProfes.docxkarlhennesey
PA 315 Government Business Relations
Chapter 7 Lobbying
Professor Sharon Pierce
Relationship between government and business
Government as a regulator of business
The government regulates the activities of businesses in five core areas:
advertising, labor, environmental impact, privacy and health and safety
Business imposes its will on government
Business can influence government through:
campaign funding, lobbying, and regulatory agencies
Participation Questions:
What is lobbying?
What role does it play in the relationship between government and business?
What is lobbying?
According to Ni (2016), “lobbying can be defined as the process by which representatives of certain groups are attempting to influence – directly or indirectly – public officials in favor of or against a particular cause.” (p. 202)
The term “lobbyist” harkens back to the days when people hung around in lobbies waiting to get a word in with legislators heading to vote.
https://represent.us/action/is-lobbying-good-or-bad/
Lobbyist
Represent a professional group that specializes in legislative or administrative advocacy
Services purchased (like lawyers or contractors) by any individual, organized interest, organization, or government
Lobbyist can effect legislative actions
Promoting candidates
Raising money
Engaging in strategic advertising
Building advocacy coalitions
Polling
Developing get-out-and-vote strategies
Recruiting volunteer
Provide critical information/data used by legislators to reach informed and educated decisions
Different types of lobbying
Direct lobbying
refers to attempts to influence a legislative body through communication with a member or employee of a legislative body, or with a government official who participates in formulating legislation. (IRS.GOV, 2019)
Grass root lobbying
refers to attempts to influence legislation by attempting to affect the opinion of the public with respect to the legislation and encouraging the audience to take action with respect to the legislation. (IRS.GOV, 2019)
Lobbying in the United States
Since 1876, Congress has required all professional lobbyist to register with the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives
First Amendment of the US Constitution
“right of the people…to petition the government for a redress of of grievances.”
U.S. Supreme Court (1967): [The] rights to assemble peaceably and to petition for a redress of grievances are among the most precious of the liberties safeguarded by the Bill of Rights. These rights, moreover, are intimately connected, both in origin and in purpose, with the other First Amendment rights of free speech and free press.
What must a lobbyist do…
Disclose the amount of money they are paid
File quarterly reports identifying contacts made with elected officials
File semi-annual reports listing contributions made to political campaigns or elected officials
Not allowed to give money or gifts directly to members of Congress
What is lobbying and ...
Learn more about starting and sustaining a nonprofit in Washington, DC at www.wdcep.com/business-in-dc/starting-a-nonprofit/
June 13th, 2012: WDCEP hosted its monthly DoingBusiness2.0 speaker series. This edition focused on starting a nonprofit in DC. George Constantine, a partner at Venable LLP that counsels tax-exempt charities, trade associations, professional societies, and labor organizations, lays the groundwork to starting a nonprofit in DC.
Lobbying is a great way to press for policy changing for animals, but can be intimidating to many. Lobbying activities can be aimed at policymakers or companies. Learn how to become a successful lobbyist in this deck from WAN, then visit our free Strategic Advocacy Course for even more information! Available here: http://worldanimal.net/our-programs/strategic-advocacy-course-new/about
2018 MACE Annual Conference presentation from John Kirchner of the US Chamber of Commerce.
This presentation will include the importance of advocacy for local chambers and provide useful tools for how chambers can engage in advocacy more effectively. In addition, it provides a federal policy briefing on key issues that are important to the business community across the region and country.
Presentation developed for a series of lectures on interest groups for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Spring 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Instructor.
PA 315 Government Business RelationsChapter 7 LobbyingProfes.docxkarlhennesey
PA 315 Government Business Relations
Chapter 7 Lobbying
Professor Sharon Pierce
Relationship between government and business
Government as a regulator of business
The government regulates the activities of businesses in five core areas:
advertising, labor, environmental impact, privacy and health and safety
Business imposes its will on government
Business can influence government through:
campaign funding, lobbying, and regulatory agencies
Participation Questions:
What is lobbying?
What role does it play in the relationship between government and business?
What is lobbying?
According to Ni (2016), “lobbying can be defined as the process by which representatives of certain groups are attempting to influence – directly or indirectly – public officials in favor of or against a particular cause.” (p. 202)
The term “lobbyist” harkens back to the days when people hung around in lobbies waiting to get a word in with legislators heading to vote.
https://represent.us/action/is-lobbying-good-or-bad/
Lobbyist
Represent a professional group that specializes in legislative or administrative advocacy
Services purchased (like lawyers or contractors) by any individual, organized interest, organization, or government
Lobbyist can effect legislative actions
Promoting candidates
Raising money
Engaging in strategic advertising
Building advocacy coalitions
Polling
Developing get-out-and-vote strategies
Recruiting volunteer
Provide critical information/data used by legislators to reach informed and educated decisions
Different types of lobbying
Direct lobbying
refers to attempts to influence a legislative body through communication with a member or employee of a legislative body, or with a government official who participates in formulating legislation. (IRS.GOV, 2019)
Grass root lobbying
refers to attempts to influence legislation by attempting to affect the opinion of the public with respect to the legislation and encouraging the audience to take action with respect to the legislation. (IRS.GOV, 2019)
Lobbying in the United States
Since 1876, Congress has required all professional lobbyist to register with the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives
First Amendment of the US Constitution
“right of the people…to petition the government for a redress of of grievances.”
U.S. Supreme Court (1967): [The] rights to assemble peaceably and to petition for a redress of grievances are among the most precious of the liberties safeguarded by the Bill of Rights. These rights, moreover, are intimately connected, both in origin and in purpose, with the other First Amendment rights of free speech and free press.
What must a lobbyist do…
Disclose the amount of money they are paid
File quarterly reports identifying contacts made with elected officials
File semi-annual reports listing contributions made to political campaigns or elected officials
Not allowed to give money or gifts directly to members of Congress
What is lobbying and ...
Respond to each peer initial post and question at the end with a resmickietanger
Respond to each peer initial post and question at the end with a response about 3-4 sentences long.
Peer 1
Voluntary organizations funded by public contributions have existed since the seventeenth century; however, didn’t become a unified sector until the 1970s (Renz, 2016, pg. 7). Because non-profits are diverse and complex it can be difficult to define and make inclusive to one definition. It can refer to charitable tax-exempt organizations, civic organizations that do not allow the deductibility of donations, and unincorporated organizations (Renz, 2016, pg. 3).
The non-profit sector covers a broad spectrum of public services such as hospitals, foundations, charities, religious institutions, and disaster relief organizations. Acknowledging the importance of non-profits is easy as these organizations attempt to address the issues of millions of people whether it be donations, programs, or services. Although tax exempt, government policies play a crucial role in the growing number of nonprofit organizations either indirectly by providing incentives or directly through grants and contracts (Renz, 2016, pg. 17). Non-profits don’t exist to make a profit but to use excess resources to meet needs that the government alone cannot fulfill. These organizations are not prohibited from earning revenue as long as the profit-making activities are related to the recognized program purpose.
The three main sectors private, non-profit, and the government share several similarities and key differences. One of the main differences is how their resources are handled. A non-profit organizations’ money is legally required to support its mission while private entities are able to distribute their resources to shareholders. Government agencies redirect their surplus resources back into government initiatives. Political shifts also highlight additional differences. As the political power changes so do the priorities in governmental agencies and the availability of public sector programs (The role of non-profits vs government and for profit sectors, 2015). Political shifts can garner more support and funding for non-profits but because the organizations secure funding from outside sources, programs can continue indefinitely as long as resources are available without any effect of a political change.
Non-profits are typically restricted with their work inside of the community as long as its business and mission related. Most restrictions imposed on non-profits are administered through state and federal government agencies through tax compliance, incorporation rules, and political participation.
Peer 2
What is the nonprofit sector? A nonprofit sector is an organization that provides a service(s) that is not conducted for the purpose of making a profit. The organization is sustained by donations, sales of goods and services, or by revenue from the government (Wolfe). The United States has three sectors government, private, and nonprofit. The private nonp ...
Slide show prepared for a series of lectures on Interest Groups for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
Slide show prepared for a series of lectures on Interest Groups for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
Two lectures given by Uwazi manager at University of Amsterdam in April 2010. Lectures seek to explain why development aid has so often been ineffective, by exploring the incentives decision makers in developed and developing countries have to make aid work.
PS 202 State and Local Government Interest Groups .docxamrit47
PS 202: State and Local Government
Interest Groups
Interest Groups: Organizations of like-minded individuals
who seek to influence specific policies, not control
government or elect members
• Objective is to influence decisions made by elected bodies
through participation and pressure
• Give specific voice to minority interests;
• Success is measured in terms of getting the group’s
preferences enacted or blocking actions that are detrimental
to them
• They come in all different sizes and types
Interest Groups:
Types, objectives, and tactics
Types of Interest Groups
There are 4 common types of interest groups represented in each state::
1. Economic/Business Groups: Chambers of Commerce; industry groups; and
financial institution
• Most numerous and powerful
• Legislative actions can cost or save their members money
2. Professionally Motivated Groups :, Health Care-related association,
Building/Contractors Associations; Lawyers Groups and other certified or
licensed professionals
• Have economic and turf struggles with competitive professions, such
as physical therapists versus nurse practitioners or public versus
private universities.
Interest Groups:
Types, objectives, and tactics
Types of Interest Groups
3. Public Interest groups/Ideological Groups: OSPRIG, Friends of the
Gorge; Oregon Family Council
• Seek to promote their view of the public good, but do not have a
direct economic interest or professional interest
• Public interest groups and ideological groups often grab headlines
because of the emotional and volatile nature of their positions on
issues such as tax cuts, restrictions on abortion or sexual preferences.
• Despite the emotional nature of the issues, most successful in
blocking change than in creating major new policies.
4. Government Agencies: Agency or contract lobbyists are regular
participants in the legislative process
• Agency heads regularly testify before legislative committees.
• Provide policy background, budget data and other information for
legislators on agency missions, activities and needs..
• Permanent associations like the League of Oregon Cities, the
Association of Oregon Counties, and the Confederation of School
Administrators enhance the influence of local governments.
Interest Groups:
Types, objectives, and tactics
Interest Group Influence and Power
• Interest groups power ebbs and flows in states, with groups playing
a dominant role in some instances and not in others depending on
strength of political parties and legislatures.
• In a state with weak political parties, interest groups often assume
roles performed by political parties in other states: aggregating
issues, mobilizing voters, and providing leadership.
• States with citizen legislatures have strong interest groups
– In the absence of full time legislative service and staff, elected officials rely
on interest groups for iss ...
PS 202 State and Local Government Interest Groups .docxbriancrawford30935
PS 202: State and Local Government
Interest Groups
Interest Groups: Organizations of like-minded individuals
who seek to influence specific policies, not control
government or elect members
• Objective is to influence decisions made by elected bodies
through participation and pressure
• Give specific voice to minority interests;
• Success is measured in terms of getting the group’s
preferences enacted or blocking actions that are detrimental
to them
• They come in all different sizes and types
Interest Groups:
Types, objectives, and tactics
Types of Interest Groups
There are 4 common types of interest groups represented in each state::
1. Economic/Business Groups: Chambers of Commerce; industry groups; and
financial institution
• Most numerous and powerful
• Legislative actions can cost or save their members money
2. Professionally Motivated Groups :, Health Care-related association,
Building/Contractors Associations; Lawyers Groups and other certified or
licensed professionals
• Have economic and turf struggles with competitive professions, such
as physical therapists versus nurse practitioners or public versus
private universities.
Interest Groups:
Types, objectives, and tactics
Types of Interest Groups
3. Public Interest groups/Ideological Groups: OSPRIG, Friends of the
Gorge; Oregon Family Council
• Seek to promote their view of the public good, but do not have a
direct economic interest or professional interest
• Public interest groups and ideological groups often grab headlines
because of the emotional and volatile nature of their positions on
issues such as tax cuts, restrictions on abortion or sexual preferences.
• Despite the emotional nature of the issues, most successful in
blocking change than in creating major new policies.
4. Government Agencies: Agency or contract lobbyists are regular
participants in the legislative process
• Agency heads regularly testify before legislative committees.
• Provide policy background, budget data and other information for
legislators on agency missions, activities and needs..
• Permanent associations like the League of Oregon Cities, the
Association of Oregon Counties, and the Confederation of School
Administrators enhance the influence of local governments.
Interest Groups:
Types, objectives, and tactics
Interest Group Influence and Power
• Interest groups power ebbs and flows in states, with groups playing
a dominant role in some instances and not in others depending on
strength of political parties and legislatures.
• In a state with weak political parties, interest groups often assume
roles performed by political parties in other states: aggregating
issues, mobilizing voters, and providing leadership.
• States with citizen legislatures have strong interest groups
– In the absence of full time legislative service and staff, elected officials rely
on interest groups for.
Sometimes the internet feels too darn big. Thankfully there are a few keys tools that can make it more manageable— and this informal session will teach you how to wrangle the web to its knees.
This short presentation will include a live demo of some free easy tools for communicators who’d like to:
• Receive real-time email alerts about issues, key terms, topics and more
• Build a personalized dashboard to display new online content & organize the dashboard into categories
• Use Twitter tools as a dashboard to track trends, conversations, influential users and more
Bring a lap top to this interactive session so you can set up your own accounts and work with the tools on the spot.
Slides from an Ignite delivered in 2012 after returning from SXSW. Picked up on 4 big trends & mapped them out as appealing to either sloth or pride...Guess you had to be there.
Presentation for Canadian Film Centre class regarding social media & activism. Emphasis on microblogging platform to raise awareness, gain momentum & usurp MSM. Final musings on importance of humour to keep conversations going online, attract attention & stay relevant.
Hakeem Olajuwon, the retired Nigerian American professional basketball player, is the oracle for all wisdom, strength, integrity and growth. At a crossroads in life, love, career or identity? Hakeem has the answer. Look beyond the NCAA/NBA records, rebounding prowess and innumerable hoops-related accolades to discover the Tao of the Gentle Giant.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
2. +
Why Government Relations?
Sector not profoundly impacted by government policy &
regulation?
Often all 3 levels of government directly affecting org
’slight’ change (regs, fees, leg and process) = drastic effect
Success = Manage relationships between government &
stakeholders
3. +
Left to Right – Lobbying is Legitimate
Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare
alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot
maneuver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot
take advantage of the ground. Sun Tzu, The Art of War
"Okay, you've convinced me. Now go out there and
bring pressure on me." President Franklin D. Roosevelt
to Business Delegation
4. +
2 key reasons for GR counsel
Government is complex
Communication unlike other organizations
multi-layered, large size/scope, differing interests
& considerations
7. +Myths vs. Realities
Myths:
Sell access/influence
Beyond the law
Unethical
Realities
Influential … merits of a client’s ‘case’ determines success
Access… part of what we do
Strategic communications with a niche audience
Legislation governs all work defined as ‘lobbying’
Media observing, reviewing
Experience in government, political & bureaucratic – public service,
social justice, aim to improve
8. + Different models
Lawmakers lobbied directly
Law-firms dominate
Former lawyers/politicians core
High-profile scandals
HYBRID – Similar to Interest Groups
Competitors = law firms – regulatory ‘wiggle room’
Interest Groups’ access to gov’t = adequate,
institutionalized, powerful
‘lobbying’ more focused on bureaucracy
Campaigns benefit corralling public opinion around
Responsible Gvt
Public opinion - Grassroots
PR pros dominate
Corporate Responsibility
9. + Landscape
Public policy considerations competitive
• Economic Crisis
• Fed/Prov Relations
• Political Considerations
• Environmental Impetus
Voices A-Plenty - Activists, associations, GR, media, labour, etc
Lessons - Innovators in non profit/activist sector & campaigns’ use of
digital media (08 US election campaign -‘tactics’)
Experience - political, bureaucratic & private sector insight (‘strategy’)
10. +
What Is A Lobbyist?
Consultant lobbyists paid to lobby on behalf of a client (GR
consultants, lawyers, accountants)
In-house lobbyists employed by companies that carry on
commercial activities for financial gain
In-house lobbyists employed by non-commercial
organizations (advocacy groups, industry, professional and
charitable organizations)
11. +
Lobbying when/if….
Attempt to influence:
Development of any legislative proposal
Introduction, passage, defeat or amendment of bill or resolution
Making or amendment of any regulation
Development, amendment or termination of any policy
Decision about privatization or outsourcing
Grant, contribution or other financial benefit
Arrange meeting with public office holder
12. +
Ontario Lobbyist Registration Act
Public declaration
Fines for non-compliance
In 10 years of Act in force,
no charges levied and
only one investigation
One year restriction for
designated government
officials for lobbying their
former
department/jurisdiction
Interpreted narrowly &
latitude
13. Who is Lobbying in Ontario?
Lobbyist Type Number Clients
Consultant 303 1484
In-House (P&P) 151 151
In-House (Organization) 939 211
TOTAL: 1393 1846
Lobbyist Registration Website: February 21, 2009
14. Who is Lobbying Across Canada?
Lobbyist Type Number Clients
Consultant 844 2216
In-House (P&P) 1541 298
In-House (Organization) 2305 485
TOTAL: 4690 2999
Lobbyist Registration Website: February 21, 2009
15. +
Unique Canadian Context
Interest Groups’ relationship with government
• Financial & institutional support (vs. US philanthropy/donor) =
less aggressive/fewer clients
Power of Executive
• Fewer ‘access points’ to effectively lobby (most decisions
directed by PM/Premier)
• Watts’ “executive-legislative fusion with responsible
parliamentary cabinets”
Legislative processes
• Few/No free votes
• Committee Process not transformational
16. +
Ponderables
Interest Groups’ relationship with GR
• Question efficacy of some groups expending time/energy/funds
on securing funds from government – cost/benefit
Power of promotion
• Braggadocio-online – boasting about numerous
clients/files/meetings – to what end?
Worldwide context
• EU strict restrictions – Building entry req’s registration
• AUS gave up
Editor's Notes
Brief explanation of government relations – strategic communications consultant – niche audience = government
3 types by law – fall under ‘consultant lobbyist’
Preconceived ideas of what a lobbyist is/does/means – will review myths/realities
Will use GR/PA – Public Affairs & Gvt Relations interchangeable – Lobbying is more a tactic of the profession than a profession itself, esp. in Canada
Ask for any examples of organization/business/industry not impacted by gvt somehow
Act that created the Lobbyist Registry
Consultant lobbyists employed by business, trade, industry, professional and voluntary organizations, trade unions, labour organizations, chambers of commerce and boards of trade, coalitions and interest groups, and other provincial and state governments w/ regular lobbying professional on the payroll, but need contact information to request a meeting, air of legitimacy to ensure request is fulfilled.
Consultant lobbyists subject to more stringent regulations for filing returns.
After ten days of agreeing to lobby, the consultant required to file return with the Ontario registrar.
Although any competent consultant will arrange meeting with many different politicians, staff and bureaucrats, in their aim to affect public policy change, they are only required to file one return if they can provide all of the future meetings’ details
In the 1996 Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance Ernie Eves announced that the Government would “establish procedures to require the registration of all persons and firms who lobby the Government.”
Over two years later, in the fall of 1998, the Chair of Management Board of Cabinet, Chris Hodgson, introduced the Lobbyists Registration Act: “This government is committed to managing its business operations in an open, accountable and accessible manner...Lobbying is part of the democratic process, but the public has a right to have access to information about organizations and individuals that are seeking to influence government decision-making...A public record of paid lobbyists will ensure that the public interest is protected from undue influence.”
Shortly after Hodgson’s speech, by January 15th, the Act was proclaimed and a registration system to monitor the government relations professionals of Ontario was at work.
The federal lobbyist registration system arose from an election promise, too. In 1985 Prime Ministerial candidate Brian Mulroney announced that, if elected, his Progressive Conservative government would monitor lobbyists’ activities.
Shortly after his election, a discussion paper was released and a standing committee was established. By July of 1987, Bill C-82 was introduced in the Parliament, “An Act Respecting the Registration of Lobbyists.” It received proclamation in September of 1988. Within a relatively short period of time, the identification of a ‘lobbying problem’ was ‘solved’ with the adoption of an American-style registry system.
To see a public good in a transparent lobbyist registry, one must believe that this information is ‘empowering.’ The more the public knows, the better, reasons the first group. This arose in discussion with a consultant lobbyist who openly questioned the merits of ‘transparency.’ “Overall, this system has the appearance – the optics – of being transparent. And I guess that’s all that matters.”
“The Act recognizes that lobbying is a legitimate activity. It provides lobbyists with free and open access to government while safeguarding the integrity of public office holders and protecting them from undue influence. The lobbyists registration system provides the public, public office holders and lobbyists with the opportunity and means to know who is talking to whom in government about what.”
Surprisingly, the most interesting suggestion came from the Registrar herself, noticing that many nonprofit organizations and smaller groups contract consultant lobbyists to work on their behalf, often to secure government funds. This cyclical nature of government funding, receiving money for a yearly budget that has government relations fees as a line-item seems counter-intuitive. Morrison suggests instead, “...we need to make it easier for some of these smaller organizations to get what they need to begin with – the middleman in many cases is the government... An intake officer could help with funding and applications...”
Unlike its neighbour to the South, Ontario does not have over one hundred years experience in regulating interest groups’ lobbying. Fortunately, the Ontario government has not completely abdicated any responsibility for monitoring lobbying, as did the Australian government, who eventually gave up in frustration. Conversely, the EU strictly restricts access to legislators’ buildings to lobbyists who have not registered with the EU lobbyist database. The most unexpected impact of the Ontario Registry’s online database is its self-promotional and self-referential use by lobbyists themselves. Overwhelmingly, lobbyists are using the system, checking the consistently updated information that traces competitors’ clients and contacts.