Lobby Lab Canada: a conversation with top lobbyists of Canada

The Ukrainian Lobbying Association (ULA) held another session of its Lobby Lab series, focusing on Canada’s experience in lobbying regulation and the development of the Government Relations (GR) profession.

The event featured members of the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC): Sheamus Murphy, Managing Partner at Counsel Public Affairs, and Muhammad Ali, Partner at Crestview Strategy. The discussion was moderated by Anna Lachykhina, Chair of the ULA Board and Co-Founder of the GR&PR agency Good Politics.

During the discussion, participants explored the structure of Canada’s lobbying market and the key competencies required for a successful career in the profession. The conversation covered several key areas:

Regulatory Approaches

The speakers explained why Canada has chosen to focus on transparency and accountability rather than restricting access to the profession through licensing requirements or mandatory professional certification.

Comparative Analysis

The discussion also examined the similarities and differences between the Canadian and Ukrainian lobbying frameworks. Particular attention was paid to lobbying registries, the role of regulators, registration requirements, and reporting standards.

Compliance and Enforcement

The Canadian experts shared practical insights into registration procedures, reporting obligations, and the consequences of non-compliance. They also discussed recent legislative changes in Canada that have significantly expanded the scope of organizations subject to lobbying registration requirements.

The Future of Lobbying in Ukraine and Q&A Session

The event concluded with an engaging discussion on the future of lobbying regulation in Ukraine. The speakers highlighted practical mechanisms that can encourage voluntary registration and help build trust in the new transparency framework. They also addressed participants’ questions, providing detailed guidance on a range of real-world compliance and regulatory challenges.

Lobby Lab continues its series of professional discussions dedicated to international lobbying practices, regulatory developments, and the advancement of professional standards in the Government Relations sector.