Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future has opened a public consultation as part of its ongoing review of the province’s Lobbyists Act, encouraging residents to share their views on how lobbying activities should be regulated.
Albertans can submit written comments until 12 noon on August 17, 2026, either through the online portal on the Legislative Assembly’s website or via email. The committee has clarified that submissions, along with the names of contributors, may be made publicly available during the review process.
The Lobbyists Act governs interactions between lobbyists and public office holders in Alberta. Its primary objective is to ensure transparency and accountability while maintaining a fair balance between citizens and organizations seeking to influence government policy and the decision-making process.
Oversight of the legislation is handled by Alberta’s Office of the Ethics Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar, which is responsible for administering and enforcing the Act.
The legislative committee formally launched its review on May 27, 2026, and is required to present its recommendations to the Legislative Assembly within one year of commencing the study.
The Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future examines matters related to several government portfolios, including advanced education, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and innovation, jobs and trade, tourism, arts and culture, and service delivery. The current consultation is expected to help lawmakers determine whether updates to the Lobbyists Act are needed to strengthen public confidence in Alberta’s governance framework.
