Lobbyists are expected to comply with the standards of behaviour for lobbyists and the conduct of lobbying activities set out in this Code of Conduct when lobbying public office holders.

1. Honesty

Lobbyists shall conduct with integrity and honesty all relations with public office holders, clients, employers, the public and other lobbyists.

2. Openness

Lobbyists shall, at all times, be open and frank about their lobbying activities, while respecting confidentiality.

3. Disclosure of Identity and Purpose

(1) Lobbyists communicating with a public office holder shall disclose the identity of the individual or organization on whose behalf they are acting, as well as the reasons for the communication.
(2) Lobbyists shall register the subject matter of all communication with public office holders that constitutes lobbying under the Lobbyist Registry By-law.

4. Information and Confidentiality

(1) Lobbyists shall inform their client, employer or organization of the obligations under the Lobbyist Registry By-law and their obligation to adhere to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct.
(2) Lobbyists shall provide information that is accurate and factual to public office holders.
(3) Lobbyists shall not knowingly mislead anyone and shall use proper care to avoid doing so inadvertently.
(4) Lobbyists shall not divulge confidential information unless they have obtained the informed consent of their client, employer or organization, or disclosure is required by law.
(5) Lobbyists shall not use any confidential or other insider information obtained in the course of their lobbying activities to the disadvantage of their client, employer or organization.

5. Competing Interests

(1) Lobbyists shall not represent conflicting or competing interests without the written consent of those whose interests are involved.
(2) Lobbyists shall advise public office holders that they have informed their clients of any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest and obtained the informed consent of each client concerned before proceeding or continuing with the undertaking.
(3) Lobbyists shall not lobby public office holders on a subject matter for which they also provide advice to the City.

6. Improper Influence

(1) Lobbyists shall avoid both the deed and the appearance of impropriety.
(2) Lobbyists shall not knowingly place public office holders in a conflict of interest or in breach of the public office holders’ codes of conduct or standards of behaviour.
(3) Lobbyists with active lobbying registrations, their registered clients or their employees shall not, directly or indirectly, offer or provide any gift, benefit or hospitality to Members of Council or their staff.