‘Secret Lobbying is Legal’ if You Know Which Loopholes to Exploit, Says Democracy Watchdog

Enough isn’t being done to ensure companies are following Canada’s weak lobbying and disclosure rules, according to democracy expert Duff Conacher.

Conacher, founder and long-time coordinator of Democracy Watch, told DeSmog Canada there are numerous ways to evade lobby rules.

“Overall, secret lobbying is legal,” he says. “You just have to exploit the loopholes.”

Conacher says the Lobbying Act is rife with loopholes, making it very difficult for citizens to keep track of when and with whom corporations and organizations are meeting.