The fallout from the Canada-U.S. trade dispute is showing up on Parliament Hill, as businesses and industry groups turn their attention to trade policy and domestic investment.

With new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs now hitting roughly $27 billion worth of Canadian goods, sport equipment companies like TRUE Sports are lobbying the federal government on funding programs and support in domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

Based in Brantford, Ont., the company primarily builds equipment for hockey, golf, lacrosse among other things.

The company was registered by Catherine Loiacono and Sophie Anne Lévesque of Tact Intelligence Conseil.

The registration indicates the lobbyists have arranged, or expect to arrange, meetings with officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, regional economic development agencies and Canadian Heritage.

Trade-sensitve agricultural sectors were also active on the Hill this week. Agriculture was the third-most discussed subject in lobbying communications, appearing in 44 reports.

SaskMilk, the organization representing Saskatchewan dairy producers, was by far the week’s most active organization, reporting 28 communications with federal public office holders between Aug. 22 and Aug 28.

Energy registrations out in front with with 18% of total registrations

New Registrations

Since Aug. 22, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance was the most registered organization, with five unique registrations made on their behalf.

Over that span, Counsel Public Affairs Inc. led all registrant groups with 7 unique filings.

From Aug. 22 to 28, no lobbyist had more than four unique registrations.

In recent agriculture/trade registrants:

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance was registered by Alexander MacDonald, John Delacourt, Maleeka Thomas, Kait LaForce, and Elizabeth Campbell, all consultants with Counsel Public Affairs Inc. The primary focus of their lobbying efforts was on advocating for a reasonable and responsible “BC Salmon Farming Transition” plan, reforms to current regulations under the Fisheries Act that impact the aquaculture sector, and for a new aquaculture development strategy for Canada. Additional meetings were held to discuss modernizing the federal shellfish management regime. 

Other: Les Producteurs De Lait Du Québec

In recent defence/security registrants:

GTDS Inc. was registered by Sabrina Grover and Jack Baker, both consultants with NorthStar Public Affairs Inc., to raise awareness among Government officials regarding the expertise of the client as a turnkey partner in the international defence procurement environment, including in the management of procurement for Canada, the development of markets for Canadian exports, and the management of military donation programs.

Other: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

In recent energy/environment/climate registrants:

Enserva was registered by Adrian Castro Carrillo and David Campbell, both consultants with GT & Company Executive Advisors, to advocate for regulatory and permitting improvements affecting energy and resource project development and execution, regulatory improvements related to labour practices and oversight on industrial and energy project work sites, and for trade, supply chain, and Indigenous economic participation policies affecting Canada’s energy services sector.

Other: Biidaaban Renewable Energy, Bio Voltex, Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, Hydrostor, Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc., NPower Canada, Pembina Pipeline Corporation, PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd, Portland Natural Gas Transmission System, Solvest Inc., South Bow Canada Services Ltd., Varme Energy Inc., Canada’s Nature Advantage/ Nature United

In recent health registrants:

CONCEPT H2-ITEX INC. was registered by Jean-René Gagnon, a private consultant, to introduce the client to the federal government and as a reliable resource across the entire healthcare network, specifically in hospitals, home care services, and the armed forces.

 In recent industry registrants:

Equinox Gold Corp was registered by Jeff Smith, a consultant with FGS Longview, as the client seeks to engage the government on policies related to mining development both domestically and internationally, including in relation to international agreements and negotiations and international dispute settlement procedures.

Other: Avalon Advanced Materials, Rock Tech Lithium Inc., Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Incorporated, Vizsla Silver Corp.

Tech/Telecommunications 

Internet Works was registered by Robin Guy and Ashton Arsenault, both consultants with Crestview Strategy for a number of legislative discussions, centered around Bill C-22, Bill C-34, and Bill C-36. With regard to Bill C-22 (Lawful Access Act), the client sought clarification on compliance elements as they pertain to online service providers and/or online platforms. For Bill C-34, discussions focused on the application and requirements under the Digital Safety Act and, in particular, seeking clarifications and additional information with respect to the Digital Safety Commission of Canada. On Bill C-36, the client seeks to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and to make amendments to other Acts. Further meetings were held regarding the National AI Strategy – AI for All, as the client seeks to assess what opportunities might exist for companies within the strategy and engage with government officials directly with respect to the implementation of the strategy.

Other: PureLogic IT Solutions Inc., QV Studio, Skyward Wildfire Technologies, Space Exploration Technologies Company (SpaceX), TELUS Health Inc, Global Relay Communications Inc., Kepler Communications Inc.

Transportation:

Uber Canada, Inc. was registered by Adrian Castro Carrillo, a consultant with GT & Company. The main topic they sought to discuss was around changes to the Excise Tax Act as it relates to ridesharing, as well as to the implementation of the Digital Services tax on rideshare companies and their customers. Further discussions were held regarding independent, flexible work opportunities in Canada. The client also sought clarification regarding the Motor Vehicle Safety Act as it relates to the development and testing of automated vehicle technologies. 

Other: Aéroports de Montréal, Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority, Railo Technology Canada Inc., Serco Canada Inc

Of note: Arctic Co-operatives Limited, Association canadienne de counseling et psychothérapie, Bridgemans, bunq US Holding LLC, Cables PTI Cables Inc., Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, mentale, Canadian Standards Association, Capital Sports Development Inc., College of Family Physicians of Canada, CryptoMill Technologies Ltd., Delmar Foods, EVERWIND NS HOLDINGS LTD., Fondaction, Green Shield Holdings Inc., Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute of Canada, IDA Canada, Intact Financial Corporation, Irréversible Inc., Lakeview Community Partners Ltd., Landrex Inc, Les Meubles St-Damase Inc., Lung Health Foundation, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Pallium Canada, Ray-Mont Logistics International, Shepherd Village Inc., Silver Point Capital, Smurfit Westrock, Sound Point Capital Management, LP, TRUE Sports, University of Alberta DEFENDS Program, Wesley Urban Ministries

Communications:

There were 123 communication reports filed during the period between Aug. 22-28.

 Most active client organizations

• SaskMilk (Saskatchewan Milk Marketing Board) – 28 Communications
• Vale Canada Limited – 9 Communications
• Canadian Labour Congress – 9 Communications
• adMare BioInnovations – 7 Communications
• Schneider Electric Canada Inc. – 6 Communications

 Most active paid lobbyists

• Teresa Florizone for 1 Client – 14 Communications
• Gordon Ell for 1 Client – 14 Communications
• Amanda McLaren for 4 Clients – 11 Communications
• Shaun Usmar for 1 Client – 9 Communications
• Beatrice Bruske for 1 Client – 9 Communications

Most lobbied public office holders

• Varun Srivatsan – Finance Canada (4)
• Ritu Banerjee – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (4)
• Rob Wright – House of Commons (3)
• Patty Hajdu – House of Commons/Employment and Social Development Canada (3)
• Mackenzy Metcalfe – Finance Canada (3)

Most lobbied government institutions

• House of Commons – 67 Communications
• Finance Canada – 26 Communications
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – 24 Communications
• Natural Resources Canada – 10 Communications
• Canadian Heritage – 10 Communications

Most lobbied subject matters

• Industry – 59 Communications
• Taxation and Finance – 48 Communications
• Agriculture – 44 Communications
• Government Procurement – 39 Communications
• Defence – 37 Communications