Lobby Wrap: Environment key issue on lobbying circuit

Parliament Hill pictured in January 2021 (Jolson Lim/iPolitics)

Rio Tinto Canada Management Inc. is hoping to tap into the Strategic Innovation Fund to help it achieve net-zero emissions and adopt cleaner metal mining practices.

Vopak Development Canada — which is pushing forward with its plan to build a terminal to store propane, diesel, gas, and methanol before export — is asking Environment and Climate Change officials to review its proposal in a bid to lessen or bypass potential bureaucratic hurdles for the project. This bulk-liquids storage facility would be built on Ridley Island and would fall under the jurisdiction of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Finally, as the CRTC kicks off hearings on the proposed takeover bid of Shaw Communications by Rogers, TELUS Corporation is pushing for amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, as well as Income Tax Act concerning Capital Cost Allowance deductions. The government has indicated that it will bring forward a bill to modernize Canada’s broadcasting regime within the first 100 days after the House of Commons resumes.

The highlights

Multiple Registrations

This week, Vopak Development Canada Inc. led client organizations with a total of five registrations. Generation Squeeze and Equal Voice (national) had three; and the TELUS Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Inc., Imperial Oil Ltd., Coalition for Responsible Enterprise, Britishvolt Canada, as well as Actagon AB all had two.

The leading registrant company was StrategyCorp Inc., with a total of ten registrations. Impact Public Affairs had six registrations and Hill+Knowlton Strategies had five, while Summa Strategies Canada Inc. as well as Global Public Affairs Inc. each had four, respectively.

In recent agriculture/trade registrants:

Diane Carey of Carey Consultants registered on behalf of Crustacés Baie-Trinité, which is seeking grants from Canada Economic Development and Fisheries and Oceans to support a shellfish modernization project in Baie-Trinité. The organization expects to receive funding from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions as well as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in the current fiscal year.

Geoff MacLellan of Seaglass Strategies Inc. registered on behalf of Novaporte to discuss a “seaport/transportation/energy hub proposal” in Sydney, N.S. The company is lobbying for funds from the National Corridor Trade Fund (NTCF) and Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB), and are actively seeking clarification on why their application has not yet been approved.

Daniel Bernier of Earnscliffe Strategy Group registered on behalf of Forest Protection Ltd (FPL) in hopes of securing federal funding towards FPL’s “Early Intervention Strategy,” which aims to cull the spread of spruce budworm in Atlantic Canada. FPL received $627,000 from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) during the last fiscal year, and are expected to receive further funding in the current one.

Other: Coalition for Responsible Enterprise

In recent arts/culture/copyright registrants:

Caitlin Drouillard of Temple Scott Associates registered on behalf of Spatial Media Ltd to coordinate meetings between federal officials and company representatives with regard to their products and services, which, according to the filing, can improve “community digital engagement services for transit and infrastructure projects.”

In recent defence/security registrants:

Pierre-Yves Bourduas of P-Y Public Safety Management Inc. registered on behalf of Dataminr, which is lobbying the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other organizations on the adoption of First Alert, a service that “provides early alerts of breaking events for first responders and those that manage them.”

Other: Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments

In recent energy/environment/climate registrants:

Ted Gruetzner and John Penner of Global Public Affairs Inc. each registered on behalf of Actagon AB , which is pursuing an exemption from certain federal environmental protection regulations for a project related to the “Scania CV AB Tipper vehicle line.” The company is attempting to coordinate a demonstration of the line to show the potential benefit to Canadian mining companies.

Andrew Steele, John Penner, Brian Teefy, Lisa Samson, and Allyson Grant of StrategyCorp Inc. each registered on behalf of Vopak Development Canada Inc. to engage officials on an Environment and Climate Change Canada-helmed review of its proposal to establish a bulk-liquids storage facility within “industrial-zoned land” on Ridley Island, which is itself under the authority of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Catherine Lansley of  Global Public Affairs Inc. registered on behalf of Rio Tinto Canada Management Inc., which wants to tap into the Strategic Innovation Fund to fuel the development of “carbon abatement technologies for advanced manufacturing processes, including advanced aluminium smelting technology project,” as it relates to achieving net-zero emissions.

The registration makes connections to a variety of policies and programs, highlighting those related to critical minerals and the resource sector at large; “equipment and development of technologies for front-line workers and Canadian residents during COVID-19”; the impact of COVID-19 on domestic as well as global supply chains — and the introduction of a relevant economic stimulus package (aimed at assuaging damages to industry); the effect of “s.232 implementation” where Canadian/U.S. markets are concerned; the widespread enforcement of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), namely with regard to auto Rules of Origin, increased tariffs and associated restrictions, and the United States’ market access to “aluminium, ilmenite, iron ore and diamond sectors”; fortifying opportunities for economic development in Aboriginal communities (especially hydro-electric projects); marine conservation; enforcement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and “icebreaking support in St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers.”

It also underlines the importance of strengthening the regulatory framework as it relates to multi-sector air pollution, greenhouse gases, metal mines, ambient air quality standards, and clean fuel implementation. Changes to the Fisheries and Impact Assessment Act were also highlighted.

Will Adams of 11871722 Canada Inc. registered on behalf of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association to promote industrial efficiencies through reduced industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and exponential investment in “innovative technologies” such as carbon capture. The company received $178,750 from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) during the last fiscal year and is expected to receive further funding from the department during the current one, as well as from the Government of Alberta (Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation) and Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

Meredith Logan of Summa Strategies Inc. registered on behalf of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers in order to advocate for the introduction of a National Patient Registry of Mesothelioma victims as part of a larger framework on a National Asbestos Strategy. This would also pertain to building energy efficient buildings, capacity building across skilled trades, and the adoption of skilled labour policies — namely by emphasizing domestic skilled trade and apprenticeships. The company is attempting to “promote and use the Red Seal Program Assist with National Occupational Competencies analysis,” and want to strengthen Canada’s procurement policies under the Energy Services Acquisition Program, while promoting the use of mechanical insulation for infrastructure projects.

Other: Sarona Asset Management, Wolf Infrastructure Management, Kimberly-Clark, Inc., 3M Canada Company, Imperial Oil Ltd., General Motors Canada, 350.org

In recent health registrants:

Stefano Gardiman of Capital Hill Group registered on behalf of the Canadian Council of the Blind, which wants to establish a national vision-loss prevention strategy with assistance from the federal government. The council emphasizes the importance of preventive care not merely as a means of promoting public health, but as a method of alleviating burden on the healthcare system. They received $7,455 from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and $9,500 from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) during the last fiscal year but are not expected to receive further funding.

Tim Barber of Bluesky Strategy Group Inc. registered on behalf of The Canada Life Assurance Company to encourage a federal review of “financial institution policies, infrastructure, open banking, and financial technology.” The registration also pinpoints health care policy, and particularly  the introduction and consolidation of employee benefit programs as well as reducing the cost of pharmaceutical drugs, especially when it comes to treating rare diseases, and as it relates to patent drug protection. Pension and retirement security were also mentioned, and a review of how the federal laws on proceeds of crime, money laundering and terrorist financing relates to insurance contracts was championed. The filing also expressed concerns over privacy, customer data, and data security, particularly with concern for the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

Bluesky is promoting a discussion on national universal pharmacare proposals “as a participant in the Together for Better Health Coalition,” as well as tax reporting as it relates to remote working conditions adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also seeking clarification on Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) as it aligns with the “treatment of financial services.”

Ruth Dayan registered on behalf of Stonington Global for a status update on Sorrento’s Health Canada application for Covistix, a rapid antigen test.

Other: Nanz Medscience Pharma Ltd., Vitacore Industries

In recent Indigenous registrants:

Andre Albinati of Earnscliffe Strategy Group registered on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross to appeal for humanitarian assistance and “development programming in specific geographies” (vulnerable populations). They are seeking collaboration with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to implement programming in First Nation communities as it relates to “violence and injury prevention, first aid, and emergency response.”

They also want to see policies and programs on Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) and domestic emergency management resolved, all relevant humanitarian outreach pledges reported and then reviewed by the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

During the last fiscal year, the Canadian Red Cross received $379,522 from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA);  $15,566,064 from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); $1,398,400 from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC); $80,095,277 from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); $41,535,945 from Global Affairs Canada (GAC); $3,532,702 from the Government of Alberta; $11,269,831 from the Government of British Columbia; $1,956,789 from the Government of Manitoba; $43,754,491 from the Government of New Brunswick; $421,656 from the Government of Newfoundland; $11,309,122 from the Government of Nova Scotia; $425,600 from the Government of Nunavut; $17,267,522 from the Government of Ontario; $3,492,369 from the Government of Prince Edward Island; $9,637,331 from Government of Saskatchewan; $37,539 from the Government of the Yukon; $195,088 from Health Canada (HC); $17,684 from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);  $14,131,382 from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC); $42,263 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan; $40,773 from National Defence (DND); $17,214,421 from Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC); $107,856,667 from Public Safety Canada (PS); and $17,635 from Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Each government institution is expected to offer further funding during the current fiscal year.

Other: KLS, LLC

In recent industry registrants:

Allyson Grant of StrategyCorp Inc. registered on behalf of the Hotel Association of Canada in order to seek financial support for the hospitality industry to address the “unique impacts” that the pandemic has had on the industry, and kick start its recovery.

Ron Soreanu of Clear Strategy registered on behalf of DoorDash to promote discussion of “economic benefits,” as well as “the value of enacting well-crafted regulation of the sharing economy.”

Lindsay Stevens of Summa Strategies Canada Inc. registered on behalf of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, which is hoping to meet with federal officials to discuss issues in the convenience industry. Topics would include “credit card fees, internal trade, single-used plastics, temporary foreign workers, regional development, regulation and red tape reduction, and grey-market confectionary products.” The council hopes to strengthen small business policies in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic’s detrimental impact on the sector.

Other: Britishvolt Canada, Foster Moore, Distillerie Maison Alfred Inc., Distributions-J. Des-Serres Inc (Super Remover), Edmonton Global

In recent tech/telecommunications registrants:

Stefano Gardiman of Capital Hill Group registered on behalf of TeqMarq as part of its bid for a partnership with government related to its “secure NFC (near-field communication) chip technology,” which would maintain vaccine passports and other medical data in the near future.

Laura Grosman of Hill+Knowlton Strategies registered on behalf of the TELUS Corporation in order to promote the “digital technologies supercluster as part of the Innovation Supercluster Initiative (ISI).” The company aims to discuss legislation concerning “lawful access obligations” and how the adoption of such policies will impact TELUS’ customer privacy; company participation in funding “next-generation healthcare” technology.

TELUS will propose amendments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Acts, as well as Income Tax Act concerning Capital Cost Allowance deductions. The company supports a ban on replacement workers during labour disputes, and widespread review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

The registration relates a few policies and programs relevant to the company’s mandate, including the Connect to Innovate program, COVID Home Health Monitoring, auctions for Spectrum Licenses / policy (as well as the adoption of a proposed Digital Economy Strategy), regulatory framework on rural network infrastructure, external/international purchases of Canadian wireless companies, and broadcasting policy as it relates to conventional and specialty television.

As such, TELUS is proposing that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) conduct a review of basic telecommunications services, and have expressed support for a proposed five-year review of copyright regulations in Canada.

James Patrick of Proof Strategies Inc. was registered on behalf of the Broadcasting Accessibility Fund, which is pushing for the implementation of measures brought in with the Act to Ensure a Barrier-free Canada, and appealing for new legislation to introduce regulatory framework on services available to disabled Canadians.

Other: Cogeco Inc., Amazon Corporate LLC, Tableau Federal Inc.

In recent transportation registrants:

Frédérik Larouche of StrategyCorp Inc. was registered on behalf of the Greater Toronto Airport Authority about the Payment in-lieu-of Taxes Act, namely “calculation of payment on airport development.” They are proposing amendments to the Canada Labour Code where replacement workers are concerned, “economic and safety impacts on essential services”, as well as Customs Controlled Areas Regulations across Canada’s airports.

The registration pinpoints several areas of concerns under policies and programs, including airport rent policy; border enforcement and “passenger facilitation to improve customer service”; Duty Free Regulations (concerning Arrivals’ Duty Fee); International Air Policy — “liberalization” of air policy in conjunction with bilateral air service concurrence; National Airports Policy (GTA infrastructure developments, labour issues, the implementation of the Canada Transport Act Review, etc); domestic aviation security measures, and Ontario’s transportation policy as it relates to  Pearson Airport’s perceived position as a “mobility hub.”

Martin Green of Foresight Strategic Advisors Inc. registered on behalf of SuperBird Capital Inc. to promote an open market for the procurement of school busses as it relates to the recent announcements on public transit and related funding: $2.75 billion over five years towards enhancing public transit systems as they turn towards electric power, including the purchase of zero-emission public transit and school buses.

Other: Holland America Group, Mirajet, Thorncliffe Park Development Group

Of note:

Generation Squeeze, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Equal Voice (National), Pathways to Education, Educational Testing Services

Communications

There were 750 communication reports filed during the period covered, with a total of 1,106 communications.

Most active client organizations
Greater Toronto Airports Authority: 65 communications, in-house staff and consultant
Nova Scotia Power Incorporated: 44 communications, in-house staff
Nature Canada: 19 communications, in-house staff
Universities Canada: 18 communications, in-house staff
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada): 18 communications, in-house staff

Most active paid lobbyists
Julie DeWolfe for 5 clients: 22 communications
David Pratt for 3 clients: 13 communications
David Angus for 8 clients: 8 communications
Andrew Steele for 5 clients: 8 communications
Kevin MacAdam for 3 clients: 7 communications

Most lobbied public office holders
Tyler Meredith, Director of Economic Strategy and Planning, Finance Canada (FIN): 15 communications
François-Philippe Champagne; Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry; Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED): 13 communications
Soren Halverson, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance Canada (FIN): 12 communications
Paul Halucha, Associate Deputy Minister, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): 11 communications
Kaili Levesque, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office (PCO): 11 communications

Most lobbied government institutions
House of Commons: 194 communications
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED): 135 communications
Transport Canada (TC): 89 communications
Finance Canada (FIN): 81 communications
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): 70 communications

Most lobbied subject matters
Environment: 143 communications
Economic Development: 130 communications
Transportation: 123 communications
Energy: 115 communications
Industry: 94 communications