NDP MP calls for investigation into lobbying firm with ties to top Conservative adviser

A New Democrat lawmaker has asked the federal lobbying commissioner to investigate “potentially inappropriate lobbying activities” by top Conservative strategist Jenny Byrne.

On Thursday, the Globe and Mail reported that a federal lobbying firm is based in the same office — and employs the same staff — as Jenny Byrne & Associates, a provincial lobbying firm. NDP MP Charlie Angus sent a letter to Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Belanger demanding an investigation into the relationship between the two companies.

“We are writing to you today about our concerns about potentially inappropriate lobbying activities by Jenny Byrne,” Angus wrote in the letter.

“Given Ms. Byrne’s advisory role and close relationship with (Conservative Leader Pierre) Poilievre and the Conservative caucus, Canadians deserve clarity on her lobbying activities.”

Although Byrne’s exact role with the Conservative Party is questionable – neither he nor the party will confirm how he is involved – he is viewed as one of the most powerful Conservative strategists in Canada.

He has been seen attending caucus meetings – places usually reserved for elected members, Conservative senators and the most senior staff.

Forecheck Strategies was incorporated on the first trading day after Pierre Poilievre was elected leader of the Conservative Party in September 2023.

In addition to employing many of the same staff as Jenny Byrne + Associates, it is owned by Andrew Kimber and Simon Jefferies, who are also part-owners of Jenny Byrne + Associates.

Some lobbyists listed working for Forecheck Strategies on the federal lobbying database are listed as employees on Jenny Byrne + Associates’ website, but not on Forecheck Strategies’ website.

There are other similarities between the two companies’ websites as well. Forecheck Strategies’ website cites their CEO as being “particularly good” at “fixing glitches” – seemingly making a reference to 2015 Globe and Mail profile of Jenny Byrne.

The reference was removed from the company’s website after inquiries from CBC News. Kimber denied that Byrne was involved in the company.

Kimber said, “ForeCheck Strategies is a separate entity in which Jenny Byrne has no involvement. She is not and has never been an employee, consultant, director, or shareholder. She does not receive, nor receive, any compensation from ForeCheck. Will neither do nor receive.” In a statement sent to CBC News.

Byrne did not respond to a request for comment and the lobbying commission’s office said it would not comment on specific cases.

“I would suggest that we have a conflict of interest act, we have a lobbying commissioner who sets very strong rules and I would expect everyone to follow those rules,” Conservative member of parliament Dan Albas said on Thursday. “

“I’m sure Mr. Poilievre would be the first to say that.”

The office of the leader of the official opposition did not respond to a request for comment.

Additional questions about provincial lobbying

Byrne also faced questions in February when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the opposition leader of “pretending” to care about high grocery prices because Byrne’s company lobbies on behalf of grocery giant Loblaws.

The Ontario Lobbyist Registry lists six employees of Jenny Byrne + Associates as registered lobbyists for Loblaw Companies Ltd.

“It turns out that (Poilievre’s) top adviser is working as a lobbyist for Loblaws. I think Mr. Poilievre owes Canadians some explanations,” Trudeau said at a media appearance in Waterloo, Ontario. will be.”

Byrne himself is not listed in any public registry as an advisor to Loblaw. He did not respond to a request for comment.

“Let’s be clear about the facts here, Jenny Byrne is not and has never been registered to lobby on behalf of Loblaws,” Jefferies said in a written statement.

Speaking to a crowd of Vancouver business professionals on March 8, Poilievre took aim at lobbyists, saying they do not represent the interests of the working class.

He told the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, “My experience with the corporate lobbyists in Ottawa, the main groups there, has been that they have been completely useless in advancing any common sense interests for people at the grassroots level. “

“My message to corporate Canada is that if you want to push forward any of your policy agendas, you have to convince not only me, but Canadians, that it’s good for them.”