Anybody who asks to meet with Edmonton’s mayor to discuss financial interests or policy changes at city hall will now need to register their request.
In a news release issued on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Mayor Don Iveson said the lobbyist registry had been launched in accordance with the mayor’s campaign promise before he was re-elected.
“This registry does not apply to constituents unless they have an interest in a property, policy, or purchasing decision,” the news release said.
Meetings with lobbyists will be logged and reported publicly every two months and Iveson is hoping city councillors will adopt similar practices.
“There’s more work to do to ensure city hall is open and plain in its dealings with those lobbying members of council, including myself,” Iveson said. “By instituting more transparent practices, we can work to lift the veil off some of council’s dealings and eliminate perception that anyone has the inside track at city hall.
“There will be a week or two lag, just to prepare all of the documentation, and it’s something my office is looking after,” Iveson added. “It’s not a city initiative, it’s a mayor’s office initiative specifically. But I’d like see it become formalized and I think it’s something that should apply to the city generally.
“I think it’s pretty much best practice now for public officials to disclose who’s meeting with them, and I think it’s only fair for folks who have a very specific and financial interest in decisions at city hall to be upfront and transparent with the people they’re meeting with as well.”
To view entries in Iveson’s lobbyist registry, click here.
For more information on whom the city considers to be a lobbyist, click here.
-With files from 630 CHED’s Scott Johnston
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