Menzies announces new components to the Federal Accountability Act and Tackling Violent Crime Act

June 30, 2008

OTTAWA - Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance is pleased to announce that on July 2, 2008, new key components to both the Federal Accountability Act and the Tackling Violent Crime Act will come into force, fulfilling key commitments of the Government.

“The Lobbying Act, as part of the Federal Accountability Act (FedAA), creates new rules to provide Canadians with better information on the activities of lobbyist,” explained Menzies.  “The government has managed to strike the right balance between legitimate lobbying activities and the right of Canadians to know who is lobbying public office holders.”

Starting July 2, the Lobbying Act creates the new position of Commissioner of Lobbying, which holds enhanced investigative powers and the mandate to ensure that lobbying is done in a transparent and ethical way.  The Lobbying Act also requires lobbyists to publicly disclose their lobbying activities on the Web site of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying.

Menzies also announced that new laws take effect on July 2, 2008 that will better protect Canadians from people who commit serious and violent crimes.  The new laws are part of the federal government’s Tackling Violent Crime Act, and amend Canada’s Criminal Code to ensure that; 

• There are stronger penalties for impaired driving, and new ways to detect and investigate drug-impaired driving; and
• There is more effective sentencing and monitoring to prevent dangerous, high-risk offenders from offending again.
  

“This Government will continue to deliver on what is important to Canadians – the safety and security of their communities – because protecting society is a priority for this Government, not an afterthought,” continued Menzies.  “After celebrating Canada’s 141st birthday, what better way to start Canada’s new year than by delivering increased accountability in Ottawa and comprehensive measures to tackle violent crime and make Canadian communities safer.”