Surrey starts lobbying registry

Another city council has decided to require lobbyists to go through a registration process, whereby they must record their activities in acting on behalf of their clients.
The city of Surrey in B.C. approved its lobbyist registration policy on September 11, joining the city of Toronto as the only cities in Canada to have such requirements.
The Surrey policy requires lobbyists who are working on behalf of clients for a rezoning, development permit or official community plan amendment to register with the city as part of the public record.
In making the announcement, Mayor Dianne Watts said: “Through the Lobbyist Registration Policy we are ensuring the public is aware of those who are advocating when significant land use decisions are being considered by Council and who they represent.”