Toronto's executive committee to vote on lobbyist restrictions

A proposal that would ban lobbyists from speaking with councillors outside of business hours will be up for debate today as the city’s executive committee meets.

Lobbyist Registrar Linda Gehrke has recommended that the city amend its lobbying bylaw to prohibit registered lobbyists from communicating with councillors outside of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and during council and committee meetings.

Gehrke is also recommending that lobbyists be barred from meeting with councillors outside of city hall.

“Restricting the time and place that lobbying may occur will ensure that lobbying of the city’s public office holders is conducted in a business environment, during business hours,” a report from Gehrke to the executive committee states. “This will enhance the integrity and perceived integrity of lobbying and city government decision making.”

City officials have been courted by lobbyists from several major Las Vegas developers in recent weeks as a council vote on whether to allow a casino to be built within city limit looms.

According to a report in the Globe and Mail last month, MGM Resorts International has even used a suite at the Sheraton Centre across the street from city hall to pitch its ideas to city councillors.

If passed, Gehrke’s proposal will go to city council for final approval.

Term limits also on agenda

The executive committee is also expected to discuss the possibility of implementing term limits for councillors and the mayor during their meeting today.

The motion from Coun. Mary-Margaret McMahon calls on the city manager to look into the options for implementing a term limit under the City of Toronto Act and to study the potential effects on political engagement before reporting back to city council as a whole by October.

“Participation in municipal politics in Toronto is lacking. Toronto needs to discuss whether or not term limits will encourage greater engagement in civic politics,” the motion states. “If term limits will ensure that Torontonians get the representation they deserve, they should be adopted.”

Mayor Rob Ford has spoken out against the idea of term limits in the past, saying it should be up to taxpayers to determine how long elected officials should stay in office.

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