Province says Calgary is ‘free’ to introduce a lobbyist registry in wake of RCMP probe

The Alberta provincial government has signaled its support for Calgary's initiative to establish a municipal lobbyist registry, a move proposed by Mayor Jeromy Farkas. The province stated that Calgary is "free to advance its own lobbying registry independently," emphasizing that transparency and accountability are core priorities for the Government of Alberta.

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Transparency and accountability are core priorities for the Government of Alberta. The City of Calgary is free to advance its own lobbying registry independently.

This development occurs while the RCMP investigates allegations of corruption at Calgary city hall. An affidavit claims a development consultant offered campaign donations exceeding legal limits in exchange for a council vote on a land-use application. These allegations have not been proven in court, and no charges have been laid.

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When you have legitimate partners of the City of Calgary lobbying council, there’s nothing nefarious about that. But actually having a legitimate process by which they can declare their interest and the public can understand what that interest is and how it may have influenced a decision, I think that makes things better for everybody.

Mayor Farkas has been working with council members to introduce a motion for the registry, aiming to create a transparent process for declaring lobbying interests. He believes this will improve public understanding and decision-making. Bradley Lafortune of Public Interest Alberta echoed this sentiment, stating that a simple lobbyist registry could bolster transparency and public trust at the municipal level, especially concerning development and land-use matters.

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It’s a little bit cliche, but sunlight is always the best disinfectant. And so it can be as simple as a public registry with public reporting that is publicly accessible.

However, Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness voiced reservations, describing the influence on council as a "pressure cooker." She noted the expectations from voters and constituents while the RCMP investigation is ongoing.

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We have our voters and our constituents that have expectations and an approach to a problem that we’re trying to solve at council.