Lobbyist registry

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The Lobbyist Registry is a bilingual online tool found at ottawa.ca/lobbyist that documents lobbying activity within the City of Ottawa.

Individuals can disclose lobbying activity in four easy steps:

  1. Log on to ottawa.ca/lobbyist and click on “Registry”
  2. Create a profile with the Lobbyist Registry
  3. Create lobbying files
  4. Disclose specific lobbying activity

What is considered lobbying activity?

Lobbying occurs when an individual representing a financial or business interest, or the financial interest of a not-for-profit with paid staff, communicates with a Member of Council or City staff to try to influence a decision on governmental matters that are outside of standard processes. You do not have to register before lobbying. Lobbying must be registered with the Lobbyist Registry within 15 business days of the activity taking place.

For more information about the Registry and the Lobbyist Code of Conduct, visit Lobbyist Code of Conduct or e-mail lobbyist@ottawa.ca.

Note: Professionals registered with the Lobbyist Registry are presumed to be providing objective, independent advice consistent with their profession.

How to create a Profile:

  1. If it is your first time using the Registry, create a profile by clicking the “Register” button and following the prompts. You will only have to create a profile once. It will not be made public on the Registry until it has been verified by the City.
  2. You will first be asked to fill in the standard account information including name, address and telephone number.
  3. You will then be asked to state any current or past affiliations with the City.
  4. Lastly, you will be asked to read and check that you agree to the Lobbyist Code of Conduct and the Terms of Use for the Registry. Your profile is now complete. An e-mail will be sent to you to confirm receipt of your registration.

How to create a Lobbying File:

Once you have a profile, you can begin registering your lobbying file(s). A lobbying file is the specific matter that you are communicating with Members of Council and/or City staff about. You create a lobby file once.

  1. On the main Log In page, enter your username and password to open your profile.
  2. Once you are in your profile, click the “New” button under the Lobbying File heading.
  3. On the Lobbying File page, you will be asked to give your lobbying file a title (for your own personal use) and identify the following details:
    1. Subject Matter
    2. Specific Issue (details about your specific lobbying file)
    3. Affected ward(s)
    4. Your client’s name and address
  4. Click the “Save” button when you have entered all the required information.
  5. Once entered and saved, your lobbying files should appear on your main profile page. If you have questions regarding proprietary information, please e-mail integrity@ottawa.ca.

How to enter Lobbying Activities:

Once you have created your lobbying file(s), you can begin entering your specific lobbying activity on each lobbying file:

  1. In the upper right-hand corner of your profile you will find the “Add New Activity” section.
  2. To enter your lobbying activity you will:
    1. Select the date of the lobbying activity using the calendar option
    2. Select your Lobbying File from the drop down list
    3. Select the method of communication you used for the lobbying activity
    4. Enter the person(s) lobbied. To do so, enter the individual’s last name and wait for a drop down list to appear. Select the individual you lobbied and click the “Add” button
    5. If you lobbied all Members of Council (i.e. you sent an e-mail to City Council), you can click the “Add All Council” button
    6. Click the “Save” button when you have entered all
      the required information
  3. Once entered and saved, your lobbying activities should appear on your main profile page under “Latest Activities”

How to close a Lobbying File:

When no further lobbying will occur on a lobbying file, you can close it. Lobbying on a file is no longer permitted once it has been closed.

  1. Under the “Lobbying File” section of your profile page, click on the lobbying file you wish to close;
  2. Once on the Lobbying File page, you will:
    1. Check the “Close Lobbying File” box on the left-hand side of your Lobbying File page;
    2. Click the “Save” button.
  3. Once saved, the “Status” on your lobbying file should appear as “Closed” on your main profile page.

Once a lobbying file is closed, it will not be possible to re-open the Lobbying File without first contacting lobbyist@ottawa.ca.

Printable version of this information (PDF). 

Information about the registry

The Lobbyist Registry came into effect on September 1, 2012 and is a component of City Council’s Accountability Framework and the City’s commitment to making municipal government more transparent and accountable. 

Lobbying is a legitimate and legal activity that is part of an individual's, group's or company's right to communicate with their elected government officials and municipal staff. The purpose of the Lobbyist Registry is to enhance the transparency and integrity of business conducted at City Hall.

The Registry is an online tool that documents instances of substantive communication, such as telephone calls, meetings, or e-mails between those who lobby and Members of City Council or City Staff in a centralized database that is easy to access and search by the public and interested stakeholders. 

Lobbyists are required to register with the Lobbyist Registry and disclose lobbying activities within 15 business days of the communication taking place. The City’s Integrity Commissioner is responsible for the enforcement and oversight of the Lobbyist Registry, and will annually review and report on its operations.

FAQs for the General Public

The Lobbyist Registry is an online tool that provides accountability and transparency to lobbying activities by giving the public access to information about who is communicating with Members of Council and City Staff.

Lobbyists are required to register with the Lobbyist Registry and disclose lobbying activities by identifying the subject matter, the client for which they are lobbying, the individual they lobbied, the method of communication and the date.

Do I need to register every time I speak with City Staff or a Member of Council? 

Most interactions you have with City Staff and Members of Council will not need to be registered. This includes:

  • Speaking on the public record during a Council, Committee of Council or Transit Commission meeting
  • Any communication that occurs on the record and during a public process, such as a public meeting or an open house
  • If you are participating as a stakeholder in a meeting initiated by the City
  • If you are seeking information
  • If you are following a Council-approved process, such as a site application or building permit
  • Providing compliments or complaints about a city program
  • Advocacy activities, which are generally carried out by community groups and associations and are communications that state a position for a general community benefit, either city-wide or local. 

When are my interactions considered lobbying?

If you are an individual who represents a business or financial interest and are communicating with a Member of Council or City Staff with the intent of influencing a decision on governmental matters outside of normal processes, including the development, introduction, passage, amendment or repeal of a by-law, motion, resolution or the outcome of a decision on any matter before Council, a Committee of Council, or a Ward Councillor or staff member acting under delegated authority, then you are required to register your activity with the Lobbyist Registry.

Lobbying is a legitimate activity that is part of an individual’s, group’s or company’s right to communicate with their elected officials and municipal staff.

If my communication falls under the definition of lobbying, what category of lobbyist would I have to register under?

The Registry focuses on those individuals representing a financial or business interest, as well as trade unions and labour associations. Within those groups, the registry identifies three types of lobbyists:

  • A consultant lobbyist who lobbies for payment on behalf of a client
  • An in-house lobbyist who is an employee, partner, or sole proprietor and who lobbies on behalf of their own employer, business, or organization
  • A voluntary unpaid lobbyist who lobbies without payment on behalf of a business, for-profit organization, or not-for-profit with paid staff for the benefit of the interests of the for-profit entity, organization, or not-for-profit

Not-for-profit organizations with paid staff are also required to register any communications that fall under the definition of lobbying.

Who does not need to register with the Lobbyist Registry?

  • Public officials from other levels of government and within the public sector
  • Not-for-profit groups, unless the group has paid staff and the communication in question falls under the definition of lobbying
  • Community groups and associations whose communications state a position for a general community benefit, either city-wide or local
  • Municipal public office holders (i.e. Members of Council and City Staff); however, it is the responsibility of public office holders to monitor the Lobbyist Registry on a monthly basis to ensure instances where they have been lobbied are logged.

For more information on who is exempt from registering, please see the Lobbyist Registry by-law and the flowchart: Are you a Lobbyist?    

What lobbying activities are required to be disclosed?

Lobbying activity covers “substantive” forms of communication including a formal meeting, e-mail, letter, or phone call. Also included is any meaningful dialogue or exchange whether in a formal or in an informal setting. This would include conversations at a social event (e.g. golf tournament) that constitute lobbying and aim to influence a legislative action.

What information can I obtain from the Lobbyist Registry?

The Lobbyist Registry is an online tool found at ottawa.ca/lobbyist that documents lobbying activities occurring within the City by identifying the lobbyist, the subject matter, the client for whom they are lobbying, the individual they lobbied, the method of communication, and the date.

Any member of the public can search the Lobbyist Registry using a number of different filters. A keyword search allows you to search subject matters and specific issues by a specific word(s). You can also search by the following filters (either individually or a combination of two or more): subject matter, specific issues or topics, person(s) lobbied, lobbyist(s), affected ward(s), and date.

What do I need to know about searching the Lobbyist Registry?

The Lobbyist Registry is a bilingual tool that works like most search engines. When you search by keyword, it will generate exact match results (e.g. searching LRT will only return entries containing “LRT” and not “light rail transit”, “TLR” or “train léger”).

When conducting multiple searches, you must reset your search before conducting a new one.

When using the “Lobbyist” or “Persons Lobbied” search option, you must enter the last name of the individual you are interested in and the tool will pull up a list of matching names. If no list appears, it may be that no lobbying activity has been entered into the registry associated with that individual.

Who enforces the Lobbyist Registry and what are the penalties for not disclosing lobbying activity?

The Integrity Commissioner is an accountability officer whose powers and duties are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001. Reporting directly to Council, the City of Ottawa’s Integrity Commissioner oversees and enforces the Lobbyist Registry as well as the Lobbyist Code of Conduct.

The Commissioner will produce an annual report summarizing complaints, investigations and advice and will make recommendations for any improvements to the accountability process. Rulings and periodic reports by the Integrity Commissioner will be posted on ottawa.ca/lobbyist.

The Commissioner has the power to investigate complaints and to impose sanctions if lobbying activity has not been disclosed or if an individual has contravened the Lobbyist Code of Conduct. Should the Integrity Commissioner impose a sanction, it will be in the form of a temporary ban on communication. Notice of the temporary ban will be circulated to Members of Council and City Staff and posted on ottawa.ca/lobbyist.

Sanctions could be applied along the following incremental scale:

  • For a first breach, the Lobbyist is banned from communicating with public office holders for one month
  • For a second breach, the Lobbyist is banned from communicating with public office holders for three months
  • In the event of a third breach, the Integrity Commissioner has the discretion to determine an appropriate sanction

Members of Council and City Staff are bound by their respective Codes of Conduct to refrain from communicating with individuals who have been found in contravention of the Lobbyist Registry By-law.

For more information on the Lobbyist Code of Conduct, please visit ottawa.ca/lobbyist.

If I believe lobbying activity has not been entered into the Lobbyist Registry, how do I file a complaint?

If you believe lobbying activity has occurred and has not been entered into the Lobbyist Registry, or have concerns about the information contained within the Registry, please contact the Integrity Commissioner at integrity@ottawa.ca.

Will there be further changes to the Registry online tool?

The Lobbyist Registry was created to be a low-cost, easy-to-use tool for the public, Members of Council and their Staff, and City Staff. However, it may be determined that further enhancements are required based on feedback during the first year. Additionally, the Integrity Commissioner will make rulings that establish how the Registry applies to specific circumstances, which may result in changes to the Registry over time.

If I have questions about the Lobbyist Registry software, who can I contact?

If you have questions or are experiencing difficulties with the Lobbyist Registry, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at lobbyist@ottawa.ca.

Where can I get more information about the Lobbyist Registry?

More information about the registry can be found at ottawa.ca/lobbyist or by contacting lobbyist@ottawa.ca.

FAQs for Lobbyists

Do I need to register every time I speak with City Staff or a Member of Council? 

Most interactions you have with City Staff and Members of Council will not need to be registered. This includes:

  • Speaking on the public record during a Council, Committee of Council or Transit Commission meeting
  • Any communication that occurs on the record and during a public process, such as a public meeting or an open house
  • If you are participating as a stakeholder in a meeting initiated by the City
  • If you are seeking information
  • If you are following a Council-approved process, such as a site application or building permit
  • Providing compliments or complaints about a city program
  • Advocacy activities, which are generally carried out by community groups and associations and are communications that state a position for a general community benefit, either city-wide or local

When are my activities considered lobbying? 

If you are an individual who represents a business or financial interest and are communicating with a Member of Council or City Staff with the intent of influencing a decision on governmental matters outside of normal processes, including the development, introduction, passage, amendment or repeal of a by-law, motion, resolution or the outcome of a decision on any matter before Council, a Committee of Council, or a Ward Councillor or staff member acting under delegated authority, then you are required to register your activity with the Lobbyist Registry.

Lobbying is a legitimate activity that is part of an individual’s, group’s or company’s right to communicate with their elected officials and municipal staff. The purpose of the Registry is to provide accountability and transparency around lobbying activities that serve to benefit an individual or group of individuals with a business or financial interest.

If my communication falls under the definition of lobbying, what category of lobbyist would I have to register under? 

The Registry focuses on those individuals representing a financial or business interest, as well as trade unions and labour associations. Within those groups, the registry identifies three types of lobbyists:

  • A consultant lobbyist who lobbies for payment on behalf of a client
  • An in-house lobbyist who is an employee, partner or sole proprietor and who lobbies on behalf of their own employer, business or organization
  • A voluntary unpaid lobbyist who lobbies without payment on behalf of a business or for-profit organization for the benefit of the interests of the for-profit entity or organization

Not-for-profit organizations with paid staff are also required to register any communications that fall under the definition of lobbying.

Can I be classified as more than one type of lobbyist?

Unfortunately, the Lobbyist Registry has limited flexibility and at this time. If you qualify as more than one type of lobbyist, you will have to establish a profile for each separate type of lobbyist.

Who does not need to register with the Lobbyist Registry? 

  • Public officials from other levels of government and within the public sector
  • Not-for-profit groups, unless the group has paid staff and the communication in question falls under the definition of lobbying
  • Community groups and associations whose communications state a position for a general community benefit, either city-wide or local
  • Municipal public office holders (i.e. Members of Council and City Staff); however, it is the responsibility of public office holders to monitor the Lobbyist Registry on a monthly basis to ensure instances where they have been lobbied are logged

For more information on who is exempt from registering, please see the Lobbyist Registry by-law and the flowchart: Are you a Lobbyist?

How do I use the Lobbyist Registry?

The Lobbyist Registry can be found at ottawa.ca/lobbyist. The first thing you must do is create a profile. Setting up a profile takes a matter of minutes and only has to be done once. When your profile is submitted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with further information. Within one to two business days of receiving your profile, the City Clerk’s Office will review your information and contact you if they have any questions. They will also validate the information contained within your profile to ensure accuracy.

Once you have submitted your profile for approval, you will have the ability to begin inputting your lobbying files and specific lobbying activity. However, until your profile has been approved by the City Clerk’s Office, none of the information you input (i.e. profile, lobbying files and activities) will go live in the public search tool.

For a step-by-step guide, please refer to the User Guide.

What is a lobbying file and what is an activity? 

A lobbying file is the specific file/issue you are communicating with public office holders about. Once you have created individual lobbying files, you will log lobbying activity against each lobbying file [i.e. an individual is lobbying public office holders about an exemption from a particular by-law (lobbying file) and that person sends an e-mail to all Members of Council (lobbying activity)].

What type of information do I need to disclose?

When creating your profile, you will need to identify your name and business address as well as the category of lobbyist you fall under. If you are working on behalf of a client, you will identify the client name and address. You are also required to declare whether or not you have ever held a senior position with the City.

When submitting your lobbying file, you will be required to identify the subject matter (e.g. zoning by-law). When disclosing your activity, you will include the person you lobbied, how you lobbied (e.g. e-mail), the date of the activity, and the ward affected by the subject matter.

What happens if my activity concerns proprietary information?

If your communication concerns proprietary information, alert the Integrity Commissioner prior to registering your file or activity. The Commissioner will verify the proprietary nature and assign a confidential code to the file that you can use when registering.

The Integrity Commissioner will determine such a time when the code can be removed and the full information available on the registry (e.g. you file a site application with the City).

What type of activity do I need to disclose?

Lobbying activity covers “substantive” forms of communication including a formal meeting, e-mail, letter, or phone call. Also included is any meaningful dialogue or exchange whether in a formal or in an informal setting. This would include conversations at a social event (e.g. golf tournament) that constitutes lobbying and aims to influence a legislative action.

What if my file does not fall under one of the subject matter categories?

If your lobbying file does not clearly fall under one of the provided subject matter categories, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at lobbyist@ottawa.ca.

What happens in situations where it is unclear whether or not the encounter qualifies as lobbying?

In cases where the intent of the communication is unclear, the matter should be referred to the Integrity Commissioner’s attention for direction. The Integrity Commissioner can be contacted at integrity@ottawa.ca.

What information do I need to include if I have multiple clients?

You will need to enter each lobbying file you are communicating on. Each file must be attached to a particular client and you will need to disclose the client name or company name and the business address.

What information is available on the public search tool?

The public will be able to see your name and business address, your client and their contact information, the subject matter, who you lobbied, how you lobbied and when. If you held a senior position with the City, this information is also publicly available.

Do I need to register as a lobbyist before I contact a public office holder?

No, there is no requirement for pre-registration.

Can I register lobbying activity in advance of the discussion taking place?

The tool does not permit you to register your activities prior to the interaction taking place. Users do not have the ability to revise or delete activities logged in the Registry. Should a revision or deletion be necessary, you will need to contact the City Clerk’s Office at lobbyist@ottawa.ca to explain the error and request it be changed.

How do I register lobbying communications about the same topic that occurs multiple times or over an extended period of time?

You are only required to register the initial communication or discussion. For instance, if you have an extended e-mail exchange on the same topic, the lobbying activity should be logged as one e-mail exchange on the date the exchange commenced.

However, if the topic changes during the course of the exchange, you are required to register the new topic.

A Councillor has requested information from me. Do I have to register this communication?

If a Member of Council has approached you and is seeking information from you, you do not have to register this communication.

The City has invited me to participate in a stakeholder relations session. Do I have to register this meeting?

Any communication surrounding your role as a stakeholder is not considering lobbying and does not need to be registered.

If I make an error in my entry on the Registry, can I fix it?

If information was submitted in error, contact the City Clerk’s Office at lobbyist@ottawa.ca to explain the error and request it be changed.

Do I need to pay to register?

No, there is no cost to registering with the Lobbyist Registry.

Who enforces the Lobbyist Registry and what are the penalties?

The Integrity Commissioner is an accountability officer whose powers and duties are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001. Reporting directly to Council, the City of Ottawa’s Integrity Commissioner oversees and enforces the Lobbyist Registry as well as the Lobbyist Code of Conduct.

The Commissioner will produce an annual report summarizing complaints, investigations and advice and will make recommendations for any improvements to the accountability process. Rulings and periodic reports by the Integrity Commissioner will be posted on ottawa.ca/lobbyist.

The Commissioner has the power to investigate complaints and to impose sanctions if lobbying activity has not been disclosed, or if an individual has contravened the Lobbyist Code of Conduct. Should the Integrity Commissioner impose a sanction, it will be in the form of a temporary ban on communication. Notice of the temporary ban will be circulated to Members of Council and City Staff and posted on ottawa.ca/lobbyist.

Sanctions could be applied along the following incremental scale:

  • For a first breach, the Lobbyist is banned from communicating with public office holders for one month
  • For a second breach, the Lobbyist is banned from communicating with public office holders for three months
  • In the event of a third breach, the Integrity Commissioner has the discretion to determine an appropriate sanction

Members of Council and City Staff are bound by their respective Codes of Conduct to refrain from communicating with individuals who have been found in contravention of the Lobbyist Registry By-law.

For more information on the Lobbyist Code of Conduct, please visit ottawa.ca/lobbyist.

Will there be further changes to the Registry online tool?

The Lobbyist Registry was created to be a low-cost, easy-to-use tool for the public, Members of Council and their Staff, and City Staff. However, it may be determined that further enhancements are required based on feedback during the first year. Additionally, the Integrity Commissioner will make rulings that establish how the Registry applies to specific circumstances, which may result in changes to the Registry over time.

Where can I get more information about the Lobbyist Registry?

More information about the registry can be found at ottawa.ca/lobbyist or by contacting lobbyist@ottawa.ca.

Lobbyist Code of Conduct

Lobbyists are expected to comply with the standards of behaviour for lobbyists and the conduct of lobbying activities set out in this Code of Conduct when lobbying public office holders.

1. Honesty

Lobbyists shall conduct with integrity and honesty all relations with public office holders, clients, employers, the public and other lobbyists.

2. Openness

Lobbyists shall, at all times, be open and frank about their lobbying activities, while respecting confidentiality.

3. Disclosure of Identity and Purpose

(1) Lobbyists communicating with a public office holder shall disclose the identity of the individual or organization on whose behalf they are acting, as well as the reasons for the communication.
(2) Lobbyists shall register the subject matter of all communication with public office holders that constitutes lobbying under the Lobbyist Registry By-law.

4. Information and Confidentiality

(1) Lobbyists shall inform their client, employer or organization of the obligations under the Lobbyist Registry By-law and their obligation to adhere to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct.
(2) Lobbyists shall provide information that is accurate and factual to public office holders.
(3) Lobbyists shall not knowingly mislead anyone and shall use proper care to avoid doing so inadvertently.
(4) Lobbyists shall not divulge confidential information unless they have obtained the informed consent of their client, employer or organization, or disclosure is required by law.
(5) Lobbyists shall not use any confidential or other insider information obtained in the course of their lobbying activities to the disadvantage of their client, employer or organization.

5. Competing Interests

(1) Lobbyists shall not represent conflicting or competing interests without the written consent of those whose interests are involved.
(2) Lobbyists shall advise public office holders that they have informed their clients of any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest and obtained the informed consent of each client concerned before proceeding or continuing with the undertaking.
(3) Lobbyists shall not lobby public office holders on a subject matter for which they also provide advice to the City.

6. Improper Influence

(1) Lobbyists shall avoid both the deed and the appearance of impropriety.
(2) Lobbyists shall not knowingly place public office holders in a conflict of interest or in breach of the public office holders’ codes of conduct or standards of behaviour.
(3) Lobbyists with active lobbying registrations, their registered clients or their employees shall not, directly or indirectly, offer or provide any gift, benefit or hospitality to Members of Council or their staff.

Terms of use

The Terms of Use, set out below, contains the terms and conditions which govern your use of the City of Ottawa’s online Lobbyist Registry System.

Agreeing to the Terms of Use is required for further use of, and access to, the online Lobbyist Registry System. By checking the “I agree” box, you acknowledge having read, understood and accepted the Terms of Use. You should print a copy of these Terms of Use for your records and information.

1. General

By using the online Lobbyist Registration System (the “Lobbyist Registry”), you agree to the most current version of these Terms of Use (the “Terms”). The City of Ottawa (the “City”) may revise the Terms at any time without notice. Any revised Terms will be posted on this website and you should read them before using the Lobbyist Registry. The City may immediately terminate your use of the Lobbyist Registry if you use it in any way that contravenes these Terms or any applicable law or in any way that disrupts the Lobbyist Registry.

2. Copyright

The text, images and data on the Lobbyist Registry website (the “Content”) are protected by the Canadian Copyright Act. The City hereby grants you a personal non-exclusive license to read, download and print copies of the Content. You may reproduce the Content for personal, non-commercial purposes if you cite the City as the source. This citation must refer to the City's copyright in the Content and include the web address where the Content was retrieved. If the Content refers to copyright material owned by a person or organization other than the City, you must get written permission from the owner of that copyright material before making use of it. You do not gain any ownership rights to any of the Content you gain access to through the Lobbyist Registry.

3. Passwords

To use certain features of the Lobbyist Registry, you may require a password. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the password and are responsible for all activities that occur under that password. You agree to notify the City Clerk’s Office immediately of any unauthorized use of your password or any other breach of security regarding the Lobbyist Registry, and to ensure that you logout at the end of each session. The City will not be liable for any losses or damages you may suffer or incur resulting from your failure to protect your password.

4. Modification or Deletion of Content

The City reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or delete any documents, information, forms or other content appearing on the Lobbyist Registry.

5. No Liability

The City is not responsible for and will not be liable to you for any losses or damages whatsoever that you may suffer or incur, including any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, arising out of or in any way connected with your use, or inability to use, the Lobbyist Registry, even if the City has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold the City and its officials, employees, agents and representatives harmless from any and all liability, loss, claim and expense, including reasonable lawyer's fees, that the City may suffer, incur or be liable for resulting from or in any way connected with your violation of these Terms or your use of the Lobbyist Registry.

7. Disclaimer

The City operates the Lobbyist Registry as a service to anyone wishing to register as a lobbyist. The City makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information on the Lobbyist Registry, but does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. You agree to accept the information found on the Lobbyist Registry “as is” and, if you rely on the information, it is at your own risk. The City does not represent and warrant that access to the Lobbyist Registry will be uninterrupted, that there will be no delays, failures or errors or omissions or loss of transmitted information, that no viruses or other contaminating or destructive properties will be transmitted or that no damage will occur to your computer system. You are solely responsible for ensuring the adequate protection and backup of your data, hardware and software and for taking reasonable and appropriate precautions against viruses and other contaminating or destructive properties.

8. Professional Standards

The City recognizes that many professions (e.g. professional planners, engineers, architects, etc.) have standards of ethics or practice that emphasize the responsibility to provide objective and professional advice or opinions. The City acknowledges that, in providing such advice or opinions, these professionals may be required to register with the Lobbyist Registry when the provision of such advice or opinions promotes the merits of an application or advocates a specific decision on a matter. The City further acknowledges that registering with the Lobbyist Registry does not imply that such a professional is not providing objective and professional advice consistent with the standards of their profession.

9. Other terms

By using the Lobbyist Registry, you also agree to the following terms:

i. You will not violate (or attempt to violate) the security of the website by hacking, cracking, mail bombing, mounting a denial of service attack or any other similar malicious, careless or negligent acts and you will not upload, post, transmit, publish or distribute any material or information to the website which contains a computer virus or other code, files or programs intended in any manner to disrupt or interfere with the functioning of the website;

ii. You will not impersonate any other person or entity or make any misrepresentations;

iii. You will not upload any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, vulgar, obscene, libellous or otherwise objectionable or that may invade another's right of privacy; and

iv. You agree to be bound by the laws of Ontario with respect to your use of the website and you agree that any court proceedings relating to your use of the website will take place in Ottawa, Ontario.

10. Notice of Collection of Personal Information / Notice of Collection of Information for a Public Record

Subsection 223.9 of the Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes the City to establish and maintain a registry in which the City keeps returns that are filed by persons who lobby public office holders. City of Ottawa By-law [Lobbyist Registry By-law 2012-309] establishes a lobbyist registry and the position and duties of the Lobbyist Registrar of the City of Ottawa. Subsection 223.9(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001 requires that the registry be made available for public inspection. Section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ("MFIPPA") provides that Part II of MFIPPA (Protection of Individual Privacy) does not apply to personal information that is maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public.

The City's Lobbyist Registry is a record that is available to the general public. Accordingly, any personal information collected, used or disclosed by the City under the lobbyist registration system for the purpose of the Lobbyist Registry is not subject to the provisions of Part II of MFIPPA, and will be a matter of public record.

Personal information, as defined by Section 2 of MFIPPA, means recorded information about an identifiable individual. Personal information does not include the name, title, contact information or designation of an individual acting in a business, professional or official capacity (whether paid or volunteer), even if an individual carries out business, professional or official responsibilities from their dwelling and the contact information for the individual relates to that dwelling.

The City's Lobbyist Registrar collects certain personal information such as contact information (phone number, e-mail address) which is not published by the City in the Lobbyist Registry. The personal information is collected under the authority of subsections 223.9 to 223.12 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and City of Ottawa By-law [Lobbyist Registry By-law 2012-309]. The information is used for the proper administration of the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar, including system administration purposes and enforcement purposes. Questions regarding the collection of such information can be directed to the Lobbyist Registrar at the following:

Telephone: 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401)
E-mail: lobbyist@ottawa.ca
Office Address: City Clerk
City Clerk’s Branch
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1J1