To implement the public’s right to know who is exercising influence with public institutions, the Québec Commissioner of Lobbying:
- ensures compliance with the Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Act and Code of Conduct for Lobbyists;
- promotes the transparency, legitimacy and sound practice of lobbying activities in order to implement the public’s right to know who is seeking to exercise influence with public institutions.
The activities of the organization are placed under the authority of the Commissioner of Lobbying , a person appointed by the National Assembly, whose appointment must receive the approval of two thirds of its members.
This mode of appointment aims to ensure the independence of the designated person with regard to the executive power and government.
To carry out his mandate of monitoring and control, the Commissioner of Lobbying is vested with powers of inspection and investigation.
The Commission may also, on his own initiative or on request, conduct investigations if he has reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a breach of any provision of the Act or of the Code of Conduct. The Commissioner may specially authorize any person to conduct such investigations. This person then has broad powers to collect evidence relevant to his or her investigation.
In carrying out his mandate, the Commissioner of Lobbying calls on the various players concerned by the Act and the Code. Lobbyists, public office holders and citizens each play their role in implementing the public’s right to know who is exercising influence with public institutions.
