Lobby Wrap: Media outlets raise AI, journalism protection in meetings with Ottawa

The latest from the federal lobbyist registry.

La Presse, Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail are lobbying the federal government — including the Prime Minister’s Office — on AI’s opportunities and risks for Canadian journalism, according to records filed by their shared lobbyist, Kathleen Walsh of Compass Rose.

The outlets also raised concerns about Ottawa’s handling of copyright-protected source content and Canada’s broader intellectual property framework.

Other items on the agenda include advocacy for legislation and policies “that promote a fair and sustainable news marketplace,” reads part of the filing.

Elsewhere in the registry: Novatron Energy has registered a meeting on “seeking a policy environment conducive to its success.” The company is developing an integrated wind-generation and transmission platform to bring Atlantic Canada’s renewable energy to U.S. and domestic markets, and was featured in Ottawa’s pitch deck for the Investment Summit.

Technology registrations lead with with 13 per cent of total registrations.

New Registrations

Since September 12th, no organizations had more than 3 registrations made on their behalf.

Since September 12th, Rubicon Strategy Inc. led all registrant groups with 9 unique registrations each. They were followed by BlueSky Strategy Group, IMPACT Public Affairs Inc., and Barrack Hill Public Affairs Inc., which each had 7 unique registrations. Next was Santis Health which had 5 unique registrations each. All remaining registrant groups made no more than 4 unique registrations.

From September 12th to September 18th, James Bridges from Rubicon Strategy Inc. was the most active lobbyist, with 9 unique registrations. He was followed by Natalie Edmondson from Barrack Hill Public Affairs Inc., who had 6 unique registrations. All remaining lobbyists had no more than 3 unique registrations.

In recent agriculture/trade registrants:

9195-5922 QUÉBEC INC (D.b.a Ferme Bunny Farm) was registered by Rémy Franzoni, a consultant with Groupe Engram, to seek assistance with their application for financial assistance under the Tariff Response Initiative program administered by Canada Economic Development. The funding obtained will enable the company to implement a mitigation plan (market diversification and automation of production equipment).

Other: BW GLOBAL Structures Inc., Canadian Independent Fish Harvester’s Federation, Canadian Wheat Research Coalition

In recent defence/security registrants:

Anvil Intelligence Inc. was registered by Natalie Edmondson, a consultant with Barrack Hill Public Affairs Inc., for a number of communications. Primarily, the client sought to advocate for increased government funding for national defence and border security. Additional discussions were held about investments in the company’s digital services and technologies, including the company’s modern AI-enabled platforms, with the goal of securing a contract with the federal government.

Other: Marshall Land Systems Ltd.

In recent energy/environment/climate registrants:

EPCOR Utilities Inc. was registered by Catherine Lansley and Miriam Mathew, both consultants with Global Public Affairs, with the main goal of contributing to the development of Canada’s water policies. The client also sought to engage with the government on the development of policies and regulations related to electricity, including the National Energy Strategy as well as to advocate for investments in electricity and water infrastructure, including granting programs and eligibility of municipally controlled corporations. Discussions were also held to clarify the federal definition and scope of water and wastewater infrastructure under relevant legislation, regulations, and policies.

Other: Electricity Distributors Association, Triton Uranium Corp., BluMetric Environmental Inc., Circular Materials, Climate Proof Canada, FireSwarm Solutions Inc., Genics Inc., Gigablue Corp., Planetary Technologies, Inc.

In recent health registrants:

Optimi Health Corp was registered by Joe Jordan and Leah Young, both consultants with Bluesky Strategy Group, to discuss legislative adjustments. Specifically, Bill C-265, to propose amendments to the Food and Drugs Act related to special access to therapeutic products, including pre-approved access pathways, clinical decision-making, evidence requirements, and administrative processes. Additionally, Bill C-286, to discuss proposed amendments related to the regulation of psilocybin and psilocin for medical purposes, including their treatment under the Narcotic Control Regulations and priority review of eligible new drug submissions.

Other: Borealis Biosciences (Canada), Inc., Canadian Medical Association, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc.

In recent Indigenous registrants:

None

Other: None

In recent industry registrants:

McEwen Inc. was registered by Angelo Bakoulas, a consultant with Bluesky Strategy Group Inc., primarily to assist the client with navigating mining regulations in its operations, including at Tartan Mine. Part of their lobbying effort was devoted to promoting the development of the client’s mining properties, including Tartan Mine in Manitoba and the Fox Complex in Ontario, through awareness and exploration of federal funding including but not limited to the First and Last Mile Fund.

Other: APEL Extrusions Limited, Apex Aluminum Extrusions Ltd, Can Art Aluminum Extrusions Canada Inc, Dajcor Aluminum Ltd., Extrudex Aluminum Corp., Hydro Extrusion Canada, Inc., Magna Aluminum Profiles, Metra Aluminum, Spectra Aluminum Products Ltd., Vizsla Silver Corp.

Tech/Telecommunications

Ligado Networks Corp. was registered by Liam O’Toole, a consultant with NorthStar Public Affairs, to facilitate discussions with federal government officials regarding Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s consultation on L-band spectrum and policies affecting satellite communications, spectrum licensing, and direct-to-device wireless services. The client also sought to promote the benefits of a proposed satellite network.

Other: Galaxia Mission Systems, Hologate GmbH, Philips Electronics Ltd. (doing business as Philips Canada), PureLogic IT Solutions Inc., Quantum Valley Ideas Lab, Zighra Inc.

Transportation:

Prairie Link High Speed Rail Partners was registered by Martin-Pierre Pelletier, a consultant with Prospectus Associates, to solicit support for the development and advancement of the client’s proposed Calgary–Edmonton high-speed rail project, including federal policies, programs and funding.

Other: Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Of note: Actua, Adtrackmedia Inc., Atmosphäre Espaces publics et ludiques, Best Medicines Coalition, Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, Canadian Association for Neuroscience, Canadian Association of Radiologists, Canadian ETF Association, Canadian Health Food Association, Canadian Parents for French, Conestoga Cold Storage, DESSIN SR ET FILS INC., Digital Main Street, FMD Canada, FreeBalance, GM DÉVELOPPEMENT INC., Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, Groupe Dynamite Inc., IDA Canada, Intuit Canada, Jim Grenon, Kidney Foundation of Canada, KS Capital Inc., Matthew Perry House, Maximus Canada Services, Inc., MD Charlton Company Limited, Polaryn Solutions Inc, Raising the Roof, Research Canada, Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology, Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, St. John Ambulance Canada, Tergel inc., The Bentway Conservatory, The Burning Bush Foundation, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, The Shaw Group and Clayton Developments Limited, Tiltco Architectural, Toronto Professional Firefighters’ Association, Trident Consulting Inc., Trig Terra – 16368484 Canada Inc., UA Local 46, Westlake Corporation, Women’s Network PEI, Women’s Shelters Canada, World Education Services Inc.

Communications:

There were 2,110 communication reports filed during the period between September 12th to September 18th, 2026.

Most active client organizations