Toronto watchdog recommends curfews for city lobbyists

Toronto’s lobbyist registrar is appealing for the city to implement restrictions on when and where lobbyists can approach city officials, a move practically the same as grounding obstinate teenagers.

The Toronto Star reports that Linda Gehrke is advocating for restrictions on how and when lobbyists can attempt to rally support for their cause, suggesting it in inappropriate that lobbyists can approach decision makers practically anywhere and at any time.

“Restricting the time and place that lobbying may occur will ensure that lobbying of the City’s public office holders is conducted in a business environment, during business hours. This will enhance the integrity and perceived integrity of lobbying and City government decision-making,” Gehrke wrote in her report.

Lobbying has become a growing concern in Toronto, specifically surrounding a debate over allowing the construction of a casino inside city limits.

Several councillors have complained about being approached by casino lobbyists at functions or during private time. Coun. Ana Bailao was socializing with lobbyists the night she was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence.

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A call for lobbyists to limit their dealings with Toronto city officials to office hours is tantamount to giving a curfew to a teenager.

It should be clarified that lobbying is a legitimate part of the democratic process, when done properly. But there remains a chance the practice can cross the line of decency into something nefarious. The type of palm-greasing, under-the-table dealing often seen in Hollywood movies. Or Quebec municipal politics.

The Star reported last week that lobbyist registration has tripled over the first two years of the Rob Ford administration. Allegations of misconduct have similarly risen over that same period.

It is a concerning trend for a city that was rocked by a lobbyist-fed scandal in the early 2000s, when a deal for MFP Financial Services to supply the city with computer equipment ballooned in scope and cost as company lobbyists wined and dined city officials.

A report following that investigation said the city should move to restrict lobbying to certain times and locations. Although the current lobbying code doesn't address all of those concerns.

Enter Gehrke's new report, which essentially requests lobbyists be treated like insolent teens set on breaking curfew and sneaking out of their bedroom window at night.

The crux of the recommendation:

Improper lobbying isn’t only a concern in Toronto, of course. It is at the heart of Quebec’s Charbonneau Commission, a growing investigation into years of apparent impropriety on behalf of several Montreal-area municipalities.

A federal Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying in Canada was established in 2008, to ensure lobbying of federal politicians is done ethically and above board.

Manitoba has its own lobbying laws, as do B.C., Alberta, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland. The cities of Ottawa and Toronto also have their own lobbyist registrars.

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While each region has their own set of rules about what is and is not acceptable (B.C.’s lobbyist registrar called for stricter rules in January), the goal of any lobbyist registrars and rules is to keep the relationship between lobbyist and public official transparent and appropriate.

Which is why Toronto’s apparent need for curfews is so troubling. How strict do these rules need to be? Next, meetings between officials and lobbyists will need chaperones. And forget about school dances, those are out of the question.