Backgrounder: The Lobbying Activities of Julie Couillard
Ottawa, Ontario
Allegations
In 2008, after media reports alleged that Julie Couillard had tried to influence federal public office holders, the former Registrar of Lobbyists commenced an administrative review into the activities of Ms. Couillard. The Commissioner of Lobbying continued the administrative review after the Lobbying Act came into force in July 2008 to determine whether Ms. Couillard performed activities which required registration as a lobbyist.
In August 2008, the Commissioner determined that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were looking into the allegations against Ms. Couillard. As required by the Lobbying Act, she suspended looking into the matter.
In October 2010, the RCMP advised the Commissioner's Office that no charges would be laid against Ms. Couillard under the Lobbying Act. The Commissioner decided she had sufficient grounds to continue looking into this matter.
Findings
The Commissioner concluded that Ms. Couillard communicated with a federal public office holder for payment regarding the awarding of a contract. She also concluded that, by failing to register these communications, Ms. Couillard was in breach of the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct, specifically the Principle of Professionalism, Rule 2 (Accurate information) and Rule 3 (Disclosure of obligations).
Conclusions
- Ms. Couillard communicated with a federal public office holder, for payment, in respect of subjects that required her to register as a consultant lobbyist and failed to register as required by the Lobbyists Registration Act.
- The Commissioner has concluded that Ms. Couillard was in breach of the Principle of Professionalism, Rule 2 (Accurate information) and Rule 3 (Disclosure of obligations) in the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct as a result of her actions.
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For more information, contact:
Natalie Hall
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying
Telephone: 613-952-4306
Email: natalie.hall@ocl-cal.gc.ca
