Calgary municipal lobbyist registry proposal approved by committee

A Calgary city committee has approved initial steps toward creating a lobbyist registry, aimed at increasing transparency around meetings with public officials.

A Calgary committee unanimously endorsed a proposal to explore what a municipal lobbyist registry could look like in the city.

The notice of motion, sponsored by Mayor Jeromy Farkas and councillors Harrison Clark, Myke Atkinson and Nathaniel Schmidt, will still need full approval by council at a meeting next month.

If passed, the city’s ethics adviser would work to establish rules to require disclosures of lobbying with elected officials and city bureaucrats.

“If there’s public money on the line and a private business entity is looking to influence city council or even city administration’s decision, I believe Calgarians have a right to know that information,” Farkas said on Tuesday.

A registry is needed to boost transparency about meetings taking place behind closed doors, especially ahead of major land use and procurement decisions, the mayor added.

“I think the average person might be surprised just how much lobbying goes on behind the scenes,” said Bradley Lafortune with Public Interest Alberta.

“Probably, if asked, (Calgarians) would appreciate more transparency on how much lobbying does go on.”

The item will go back to a full city council meeting on July 28.