Halifax City Hall in this file photo taken on May 29. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentWith expected major changes to how the municipality is run, now is the time to push for a lobbyist registry, argues a Halifax councillor.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentSeven years ago, Halifax regional council first asked the province to expand its lobbyist registry to include municipal governments. They’re still waiting on a reply, said Coun. Janet Steele (Timberlea – Beechville – Clayton Park – Wedgewood).Article contentArticle contentArticle content“There has been discussion on strong mayor power and other changes in our governance,” she told council Tuesday. “I think many of us know we’re experiencing a weakening of our democratic institutions so I feel that if we were to receive this authority from the province, it would strengthen the public trust in elected officials.”Article contentThe province has a registry for people and organizations who are paid to lobby the government.Article contentBack in 2018, staff filed a report looking into starting up their own municipal registry but it was dismissed due to cost. Instead, they inquired that the province expand theirs.Article content“Given all the discussion about changes in governance,” she said, a reference to potential legislation being drafted regarding strong mayor powers, “I thought it was important from a public transparency and accountability perspective that we once again request that local government be included under the provincial lobbyist registry.”Article contentArticle contentSteele put forward a motion that council send a letter again asking the province to get this done.Article content Coun. Janet Steele (Timberlea – Beechville – Clayton Park – Wedgewood) takes the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony at the Halifax Central Library on Nov. 5, 2024. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentArticle contentProvincial responseArticle contentWhen asked about the issue, Blaise Theriault, a Service Nova Scotia spokesman, said in an email: “Provincial and HRM staff undertook staff-level discussions on the matter in 2018, however no further developments have occurred since those initial conversations. If HRM would like a legislative amendment, a formal request should be made to the province.”Article contentOn fragile groundArticle contentIn the document Steele filed on the motion, she said democracy is on very fragile ground right now with receiving directives from the province to reverse decisions and, to exacerbate the situation, “Nova Scotia’s current municipal governance model is under consideration for change during the term of a democratically elected council.” Article content Halifax City Hall in this file photo taken on Thursday, May 29. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle content“The public has a right to be fully informed on who is privately lobbying municipal council to influence council decisions.”Article contentA lobbyist registry will enable residents to analyze the link between campaign financing contributions and regular lobbyists.Article content“With the recent discussions on strong mayor powers possibly being granted to Nova Scotia mayors, it is imperative this accountability mechanism be accorded to HRM in advance of any possible governance changes.”Article contentThere was no other discussion on Steele’s request for a staff report Tuesday, and her motion passed unanimously.Article content
Halifax asks, again, to get municipalities on Nova Scotia’s lobbyist registry
