QUEBEC -- Andr Ct, Quebec's lobbying commissioner, told reporters Monday that those who hold public office should actively monitor their own dealings with lobbyists, explaining that the province adopted a tough lobbying law to reinforce public confidence in government.
His comments followed an investigation into allegations by the Parti Qubcois that a Montreal consultant acting on behalf of the children's science-show company Mad Science improperly lobbied Quebec Family Minister Carole Thberge for a daycare licence.
Ct would not comment on the outcome of the investigation at a news conference Monday, saying the matter has been turned over to the provincial attorney-general.
But he noted that the 2002 lobbying law, adopted by the Parti Qubcois government, has a broad sweep, covering professionals such as lawyers who do not consider themselves lobbyists and businesspeople.
It imposes a requirement to register as a lobbyist on anyone with an economic or tangible interest seeking to influence cabinet ministers to their officials, municipal councillors and officials, officials of Quebec crown corporations and even officials of not-for-profit organizations receiving government grants.
But it establishes no legal obligations on those being lobbied.
Ct has no control over such officeholders and he did not suggest that the law be amended. Instead he called on officeholders to keep in mind that the law imposes on all parties the obligation to conduct themselves with transparency.
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