Conflict of Interest — Rule 8 (Lobbyists' Code of Conduct)

In a recent decision, (Democracy Watch v. Barry Campbell and the Attorney General of Canada (Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists), the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that the September 2002 Guidelines issued by the former Ethics Counsellor regarding Rule 8 of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct (Rule 8 – Improper Influence – Lobbyists and Leadership Campaigns) were unreasonable.

The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying (OCL) has reviewed and studied the Federal Court of Appeal's decision and has developed the following Commissioner's Guidance on Rule 8. The former Ethics Counsellor's advice regarding Rule 8 is available in the Archives section of this website.

Should you wish to consult the Federal Court of Appeal's decision in the case of Democracy Watch v. Barry Campbell and the Attorney General of Canada (Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists), please consult its website at the following address: decisions.fca-caf.gc.ca.

• Commissioner's Guidance on Conflict of Interest – Rule 8
• Annex – Reasoning Underlying the Commissioner's Guidance on Conflict of Interest – Rule 8 (Lobbyists' Code of Conduct)
• Commissioner's Advice on the Application of Rule 8 to Lobbyists Involved in Political Activities
• Clarifications about political activities in the context of Rule 8
• Questions and Answers for the Commissioner's Guidance on Conflict of Interest – Rule 8 (Lobbyists' Code of Conduct)