Hamilton Coun. Matthew Green wants ban on former politicians from lobbying officials

HamiltonNews.com
June 12, 2017
Kevin Werner

Hamilton Coun. Matthew Green wants a prohibition on former councillors from lobbying city officials, including politicians, for at least a year.

He said during the June 7 government issues committee meeting that as soon as he was inaugurated as the new Ward 3 councillor in 2014 he was immediately approached by a former councillor talking about a city issue.

Green suggested the city create a “cooling off” period for politicians from lobbying city staff and councillors. Once staff leave Hamilton’s employment, they have a cooling off period of a year, says City Manager Chris Murray.

Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla proposed a similar policy change in 2014. He suggested Hamilton ban for a year before staff can lobby city officials.

 The federal government established a five-year ban on all MPs, senators and senior staff from lobbying or serving on boards of companies that deal with the federal government or are involved in any work that has been contracted out by the federal government.

There have been instances when former Hamilton councillors and staff have left politics or city employment and become lobbyists or consultants. Former mayor Larry Di Ianni has a sizable number of clients and is registered on the city’s lobbyist registry, while former mayor Bob Morrow is also on the city’s lobbyist registry. Former Stoney Creek Coun. Brad Clark is also registered as a lobbyist. Former city staff Joe Rinaldo and Anthony Tollis have also found work as consultants.

Politicians agreed with Green’s motion requesting staff review the policy, except Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson. The committee’s recommendation was accepted by members of the audit, finance and administrative committee June 12. Politicians will be scheduled to vote on the recommendation at their June 14 council meeting.

The issue was prompted by a review of the city’s lobbyist registry. Councillors in 2014 approved the contentious bylaw that would identify potential lobbyists who wanted to talk to politicians or staff. The registry took effect Aug. 1, 2015. The city states there are 86 lobbyists on its website, with planning and economic development departments receiving the most lobbyists. Other issues that lobbyists are interested in talking to city officials about include the environment, transportation and infrastructure.

While Hamilton should be commended for creating a registry, said Green, there are still too many “loopholes” in the bylaw for potential lobbyists to slip through the cracks.

When Hamilton approved the creation of the registry, only Toronto and Ottawa had a lobbyist registry. Since then Brampton, Vaughan and Peel Region have established registries.