Backroom negotiations with Cabot highlight need to strengthen Nova Scotia lobbyist registry: NDP

HALIFAX – Today, Official Opposition Ethics and Accountability Critic Paul Wozney called for long-overdue updates to Nova Scotia’s lobbyist registry after uncovering evidence that Cabot actively lobbied the Houston government without being registered.

Documents obtained through Freedom of Information show correspondence between Cabot and the Department of Natural Resources, in which the Deputy Minister confirmed they had received approval to enter into “confidential negotiations” to develop a golf course on West Mabou Beach Provincial Park.

“These emails are clear evidence of the kind of backroom decision-making Nova Scotians have come to expect from the Houston government. Nova Scotians deserve to know who this government is listening to and how decisions are being made, but time and time again we see this government operating in ways hidden from the public view,” said Wozney. “When it comes to the future of our protected provincial parks, ‘confidential negotiations’ should never be part of the conversation.”

Lobbying without being registered is an offence that can carry a fine of $25,000 for the first offence and $100,000 for subsequent offences. Yet enforcement of the lobbyist registry is weak, with no formal procedure for investigating or acting on potential violations.

Concerns had previously been raised about Cabot lobbying without being registered in 2022 after a former Conservative Premier contacted MLAs on the company’s behalf advocating for a golf course on West Mabou Beach, but there was no investigation and no fine issued.

“This shows exactly why the lobbyist registry needs to be strengthened. Right now, there are serious gaps in enforcement and accountability,” said Wozney. “Companies should not be able to secretly influence government decisions behind closed doors and face minimal consequences. Nova Scotians deserve a system with real transparency, real oversight, and real enforcement. They’re not getting it from this government.”

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