FAQs

These FAQ’s are for advisory purposes only and cannot, and should not, be relied upon as legal advice. These FAQ’s do not restrict the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists in interpreting or applying The Lobbyists Act. In all cases, the Act must be considered in its entirety and is always the definitive and binding document.

Q: Can public office holders be lobbyists?

It is not considered lobbying if the business is conducted when acting in their official capacity.

There are prohibitions if a former public office holder wishes to engage in lobbying activities. Depending on the post held these prohibitions range from 6 -12 months. A former public office holder may request an exemption from the Registrar of Lobbyists to have this prohibition period waived.

Q: Are there activities that are NOT considered lobbying?

Governance requires constant communication within government, between governments in all their various forms, and with businesses, other organizations and citizens. There are many, many of these conversations every day.

The purpose of lobbyist registration is to capture and report on only those conversations where someone is being paid to communicate with government in an effort to influence government in such a way as to benefit the party paying that person.

If you have a question of whether communications or intended communications are registerable please contact the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists.

Q: Can I be lobbied during an election period?

Yes, Government of Saskatchewan employees, including Chiefs of Staff, are considered public office holders and The Lobbyists Act does not make any exemptions for an election period.

Given that MLA’s are no longer considered POH’s once the election period begins an opportunity exists for lobbyists to change their focus to senior public office holders. You may see an increase in lobbying activities with you or your department.

Q: Can I meet with an unregistered lobbyist?

Public officials have the right to ask if lobbyists have registered their activities on the lobbyist registry.

The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists recommends that public office holders regularly search the lobbyist registry. This will assist the public office holder in understanding what a lobbyist wants to meet about and who else the lobbyist may be speaking to. 

Q: How do I check whether a lobbyist has registered their activities?

Search the lobbyist registry database.