Lobbyist Code of Conduct

Article VI
Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 140, Lobbying

§ 140-38. Standard of behaviour

  1. Lobbyists shall comply with the standards of behaviour for lobbyists and the conduct of lobbying activities set out in this article when lobbying public office holders.
  2. Lobbyists shall observe and comply with the highest ethical and professional standards.
  3. The Code of Conduct in this article sets out minimum standards of behaviour for lobbyists in their dealings with the City government, including local boards and public office holders.

§ 140-39. Honesty

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

§ 140-40. Disclosure of identity and purpose

  1. Lobbyists communicating with a public office holder shall disclose the identity of the individual, corporation, organization or other person, or the partnership, on whose behalf they are acting, as well as the reasons for the communication.
  2. Lobbyists communicating with a public office holder on a duly registered and disclosed subject matter shall not use that opportunity to communicate on another subject matter, unless first having registered as required and disclosing the identity and purpose.

§ 140-41. Compliance with policies restricting communication

  1. Lobbyists shall not communicate in relation to a procurement process except as permitted by applicable procurement policies and procurement documents.
  2. Lobbyists shall not communicate in relation to an application for approval and the associated review process, except as permitted by applicable policies and procedures.

§ 140-42. Prohibited activities

  1. Lobbyists shall not undertake to lobby in a form or manner that includes offering, providing or bestowing entertainment, gifts, meals, trips or favours of any kind.
  2. Lobbyists shall not request public office holders to endorse or recommend their services.
  3. Lobbyists shall not conduct lobbying activities at a charitable event, community or civic event, or similar public gathering.

§ 140-43. Information; confidentiality

  1. Lobbyists shall inform their client, employer or organization of the obligations under this chapter.
  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 be open and franc about their lobbying activities, while respecting confidentiality.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

§ 140-44. 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.

§ 140-45. Improper influence

  1. Lobbyists shall avoid both the deed and the appearance of impropriety.
  2. Lobbyists shall not 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 shall not propose or undertake any action that would bestow an improper benefit or constitute an improper influence on a public office holder.