LETTER: Barnett doesn’t have the facts straight

Editor;

Re: Gaping loophole in lobbyist rules, column by Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, published Aug. 12

I believe that MLA Donna Barnett has good intentions but in her column unfortunately, she took the partisan path instead of the one based on facts. The registrar of lobbyists is responsible for interpreting the laws that regulate lobbying activity in this province. He recently discovered an error in the legislated definition of “former public office holder,” something that the former government failed to notice and fix for several years. This unfortunate error means that — for now — a few people may not be captured by our new two-year lobbying prohibition. The error also means that some who may have violated the act under the previous government can actually have their fines overturned. No matter which party you support, this isn’t good news. Therefore, I have instructed my ministry staff to correct this long-standing drafting error when the legislature resumes in the fall.

Lobbying legislation was untouched by the former government since 2009. We brought in the Lobbyists Registration Amendment Act to ensure that lobbying is conducted ethically and transparently. For the first time there are now rules in place to prohibit public-office holders from lobbying for two years after leaving their position. In other words, you can’t jump from a job in government to a job lobbying government. This “cooling off” period eliminates the potential for undue influence and improper use of insider knowledge in lobbying. The legislation acknowledges the need for well-informed policy makers who contribute to the democratic process, and ensures a level playing field for all.

Ironically, the “Wild West” that Donna Barnett was referring to was actually coined by the New York Times when describing the influence of big money politics under the previous government. I am proud that B.C. has now caught up with other jurisdictions in Canada by bringing in the two-year lobbying ban but there is more work to be done. On top of correcting this long-standing error in the legislation, we will be strengthening the rules around lobbying even further. I look forward to Donna Barnett’s support of those efforts.

Attorney General Minister David Eby

Vancouver-Point Grey, B.C.