In this issue...

Renewing a Registration

The Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998, requires that lobbyists renew their registrations within specific time frames. We call this the renewal window.

For consultant lobbyists, registrations must be renewed annually. The renewal window for consultant lobbyists opens 30 calendar days before the anniversary date of the initial registration. The renewal window is for 60 days, meaning it closes 30 days after the anniversary date. 

Remember! Consultant lobbyist registrations do not lapse and must be renewed if the lobbying is continuing or be terminated to remain compliant with the Act.

For in-house lobbyists, senior officers must renew their registrations twice a year. For example, if an initial registration is filed on January 1, 2026, the six-month anniversary date from the initial filing date is July 1, 2026. The first renewal window opens 30 calendar days before July 1, 2026, in this scenario. The second renewal window opens 30 calendar days before January 1, 2027, in this scenario. Each renewal window is for 60 days.

If a senior officer does not renew a registration, it will expire and the Lobbyist Registrar will terminate the registration. A terminated registration cannot be reactivated. If lobbying continues, a new registration will be required.

Reminders and renewal tips

Keep in mind: the anniversary date of the initial registration does not change, which means the renewal window will always be between 30 days before and 30 days after that date.

When a registration is due for renewal, lobbyists receive three courtesy email notifications. The first email is sent the day the renewal window opens.

To renew a registration, go to the “I would like to…” menu page, select “Renew a registration” and choose the registration you wish to renew.

If, after selecting “Renew a registration”, the page indicates “No record available”, it means there are no registrations due for renewal. If you need to amend your registration, please select the option to “Change an existing registration (not a renewal)”.

You can learn more by watching the tutorial video on Renewing a Registration. If you have questions about renewing a registration, you can contact Office staff at lobbyist.mail@oico.on.ca.

New resource on registry tips and tricks coming soon!

We are working on a new online resource to help you navigate the registry. Here’s a sneak peek at two tips that will be featured in the resource.

Initial registrations

If you file an initial registration, and it is reset to draft by staff in our Office with an email request for more information, please make sure you amend and resubmit the same version that was reset to draft.

Do not file a new registration.

To make changes to your original registration, go to “View my drafts” from the “I would like to…” menu page and open the draft initial registration. Make your amendments and then select submit.

Temporary Passwords

If you forget your password and want to reset it, you will be sent a temporary password by email. Please check your junk or spam folder if you do not receive an email. 

When logging in, it is important to remember that temporary passwords do not expire and are case sensitive.

You can update your temporary password or your security question responses when you are logged in – look for these options under the Security heading.

Remember! Security question answers are also case sensitive.

Did you miss the Common Registration Mistakes series in our last three issues? You can catch up easily and find them on our Lobbying Corner webpage.

ON Lobbying Corner