Lobbyist Designation for Residents Associations (and other groups)

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Lobbyist Designation for Residents Associations (and other groups)

Update May 4, 2016: Council debated, amended and voted on this matter and not-for-profits such as the Cabbagetown Residents Association were removed from the groups that would be required to register as lobbyists. Yay!

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2016.EX13.2


This might be a bit “inside baseball” for some of you, but we’ve had enough inquiries about it that we thought we should let you know what’s going on.

There was an amendment made at the City’s Executive Committee, asking the City Manager to draft a report on having non-profit groups and community organizations (such as ours) register as lobbyists before they are allowed to contact their local Councillor.

We discussed the matter with Councillor McConnell’s Constituency Assistant recently and we were assured that she is opposed to this change. We don’t think that there is much likelihood of this change happening, but it’s causing some commotion amongst many community groups. We are opposed to this change, and have expressed this in a letter to the City Clerk.

Here is Councillor McConnell’s response on the issue:

April 26, 2016

Dear Friends,

As a City of Toronto Councillor, I count on hearing from the community. I rely on input from residents, and neighbourhood associations, community groups and non-profit organizations that represent and serve our dynamic and diverse ward.

I am writing today as I am troubled by an unexpected amendment made at the Executive Committee last month, asking the City Manager to draft a report on having non-profit groups and community organizations register as lobbyists before they are allowed to contact their local Councillor.

The lobbyist registration system is a valuable tool for ensuring transparency when private interests engage with decision-makers.

However, community groups and non-profit organizations work for the public interest and not for their own gain. There is no public policy rationale that would require us to treat these groups in the same way as we do paid lobbyists. We want to encourage them to play an active role at City Hall on behalf of the public interest. Any barriers to community participation erodes the democratic process.

Therefore, I am writing to alert you to this upcoming debate and would encourage you to add your voice.

The report and amendment (EX 13.2) can be found at:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewPublishedReport.do?function=getMinutesReport&meetingId=10989.

This item will be considered by City Council at its meeting on May 3-4. I, and many of my colleagues, will be opposing any plan to develop new systems that put an added burden on community groups having input at City Hall. I hope you will support us by sending an email to the City Clerk at clerk@toronto.ca asking that Council not pursue any new initiatives that would require community groups and non-profit organizations to register as lobbyists.

Sincerely,

Pam McConnell Deputy Mayor Councillor, Ward 28

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