Currently, only lobbyists working more than 28 hours a month are required to publically register with the commissioner of the Commissioner of Lobbying.

https://lobbycanada.gc.ca/app/secure/ocl/lrs/do/guest

A lot of lobbying in Canada is undisclosed.

Let's say you are a lobbyist for an AI company. The AI minister (yes, that's a real thing) wants to introduce a bill that you really don't like.

• You write a letter to the AI minister to invite him for dinner. (1hour)

• You spend one morning to prepare what you will talk about (3hours)

• His office calls you to change the date (15 minutes)

• You call back his office to confirm the date and location (15 minutes).

• You go to the restaurant wisth the minister (3 hours)

• He agrees to meet you one week later in his office to discuss changes to the bill (2 hours).

That's less than 9 hours and 30 minutes. It's below the 28 hours threshold so you don't have to disclose anything.

On January 19, 2026, Canada will become a slightly less corrupt country.

The threshold below which no registration is required will change from 28 hours to 8 hours over a four-week period. More people will be required to register.

The system is still a disaster, but at least it's an improvement.

WTF. This should be illegal

In New York, as in the rest of the US, you don't actually need a driver's license to purchase a car!! 🤦