In this issue...

New Integrity Commissioner Appointed

On April 16, 2025, the Legislative Assembly appointed Cathryn Motherwell as Integrity Commissioner of Ontario for a five-year term. Under the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998, the Integrity Commissioner also serves as the province’s Lobbyist Registrar.

Commissioner Motherwell has served in several positions at the Office since 2009. She was the Deputy Commissioner for the past six years.

Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the office’s work across its seven mandates.

“It is an honour to serve in this role, and to continue the important work of the Office, including ensuring that lobbyists are aware of and are in compliance with the Act,” Commissioner Motherwell said.

Commissioner Motherwell continues to advocate for the strengthening of the Act through a comprehensive legislative review.

Welcome Tiffani!

The Office is excited to welcome our newest Inquiries Officer, Tiffani Gilbert. She joins our lobbyist registration team consisting of Claire Allen, Celeste Tyson and Saba Ghaderi. The team works every day to review lobbyist registrations and answer questions related to the requirements of the Act.

“I’m excited to join the OIC because its commitment to integrity and transparency aligns with my personal interests and academic background.

“I completed my undergrad in philosophy and was especially drawn to moral philosophy and the study of ethics. What excites me most is the ability to apply these principles in a meaningful way that supports the public while upholding standards I personally believe in,” Tiffani said.

Before joining us, Tiffani worked for a law firm as an Immigration Case Analyst.

Her go-to Office resources include the Guide to the Lobbyists Registration Act and Interpretation Bulletins.

“These tools help provide clear and easy-to-understand guidance to ensure that lobbyists remain compliant with their obligations under the Act,” she said.

In her spare time, Tiffani enjoys listening to music and karaoke. She is also learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture.

If you have questions about the registry or the Act, you can reach Tiffani and the rest of the team at lobbyist.mail@oico.on.ca.

Legislative Lingo

When it comes to law-making, Bill and Reg aren’t just the names of your uncle or neighbour – they are legislative terms that might apply to your lobbying activity. Here is some information about them that will help with your lobbyist registrations.

Bills

Most people know that a bill is the text of a proposed law being introduced and debated in the Legislative Assembly. When a bill is passed and enacted, it becomes a law or it modifies existing laws. If you’re lobbying about a bill, you need to list its full name under “Bill or resolution” in the Lobbying Activity section of your registration.

 

Every bill is assigned a number when introduced, but when a bill isn’t passed during a parliamentary session, it may be reintroduced with a new number. For example, if the Assembly is still debating Bill 255 – An Act to Create Wear a Toronto Blue Jays Hat Day when an election is called, the bill may be reintroduced and given a new number. It might become Bill 32.

When reviewing your registrations, be sure to check and update the bill numbers as needed. You can check for bill numbers and titles on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website.

Reg(ulations)

A regulation is enacted by the government under the authority of an existing law (i.e., an Act). Regulations will set out the specific rules and procedures that ensure the intended implementation, enforcement or administration of an act are carried out. Regulations are made by the ministry responsible for the related law and are passed by Orders-in-Council.

If you’re lobbying about the creation or amendment of a regulation, you should describe this work under “Regulation” in the Lobbying Activity section. As regulations are always connected to an Act, you should include both the Act’s name as well as the regulation’s name and number if available.

Fun fact: A Ministerial Zoning Order is a regulation! If part of your lobbying activity includes seeking an MZO, it’s a good practice to describe the request clearly under “Regulation” in your registration.

The Office has a resource on filling out the Lobbying Activity section of the registration. If you have further questions about completing the registration, contact the Office.