Whereas transparency and fairness are paramount with respect to all functions of the City of Markham.
Whereas on June 8, 2010 Council received a Notice of Motion including the establishment of an Integrity Commissioner and a Lobbyist Registrar’s office.
Whereas on June 22, 2011 Council referred the establishment of an Integrity Commissioner and a Lobbyist Registrar’s Office to early 2012.
Whereas on June 25, 2012 the General Committee of Council deferred a presentation regarding a Lobbyist Registry to a Council Workshop in September 2012.
Whereas on September 5, 2012 General Committee received a report regarding a Lobbyist Registrar and a Lobbyist Registry which recommended against a Registrar and Registry due to:
- The relative immaturity of Lobbyist frameworks in Ontario and Canada,
- The potential for changes to the relevant provincial legislation as a result of the Municipal Act Review, and
- The costs associated with establishing and maintaining a Lobbyist Registry.
Whereas on September 5, 2012 General Committee requested that a report be presented to Council in winter 2013 regarding recommendations relative to:
- Lobbying of public office holders by potential vendors
- Lobbying by former public office holders or current Markham public office holders
Whereas on September 5, 2012 General Committee requested to receive a copy of the City of Ottawa’s Lobbyist Registry.
Whereas on September 5, 2012 General Committee moved that staff report in Winter 2013 relative to a proposed policy.
Whereas on November 20, 2017 the General Committee directed staff to report on the establishment of a Lobbyist Registry and the potential appointment of a Lobbyist Registrar.
Whereas on June 26, 2013 Council voted to appoint an Integrity Commissioner.
Whereas since the issue was first raised 11 years ago, Council has failed to make a decision in favour of or against the establishment of a Lobbyist Registry and the appointment of a Lobbyist Registrar.
Whereas Lobbyist frameworks in Ontario and Canada can now be considered mature.
Whereas the Municipal Act Review is complete.
Whereas Lobbyist Registries have been established and Lobbyist Registrars appointed in the City of Vaughan, the City of Toronto, the City of Ottawa, the City of Brampton, the City of Hamilton, for the Province of Ontario and for the Government of Canada.
Therefore be it resolved that:
Council directs staff to update the September 5, 2012 report regarding the establishment of a Lobbyist Registry and the appointment of a Lobbyist Registrar; that the report should include recommendations for action by Council; and that the report is to be presented to the General Committee of council no later than December 1, 2021.