Author: Helen Beny

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ATI Requests Received in May

Technology companies increasingly lobby the Canadian federal government.  The Tech Lobby Project regularly submits Access to Information (ATI) requests for records relating to lobbying communications between Canadian federal government departments and companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Netflix, Twitter, Sidewalk Labs and Uber.  Read more about our ATI requests here.  Below you can find a list of the documents we’ve received recently in response to our ATI requests.

You can subscribe to receive a list of descriptions of recent ATI responses we have received by monthly email by signing up to our monthly email listserv here. For more information, or to access the documents themselves, please email Sara Bannerman at banners@mcmaster.ca.

Amazon Web Services Canada

Document LinkReference
   The Treasury Board received training from Amazon Web Services to develop digital identity credentials.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-01642 Submitted to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) for Records Related to a ’All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #539490 Involving Shirley Ivan, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on July 22, 2022. ’ (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  
The Government of Canada engaged in a digital transformation discussion with Amazon Web Services, as evidenced by an email exchange between Mr. Wagner and the Directing Manager of Transformation at AWS.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-01652 Submitted to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) for Records Related to a ’All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #516895 Involving Paul Wagner, Assistant Deputy Minister, Transformation, Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on November 18, 2021. ’ (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
SSC and Amazon Web Services presented their reflections on the past 2 years of their partnership. The presentation covered their experiences with the GC Cloud initiative and discussed opportunities to improve their collaboration. The list of key participants and the agenda were available, but the presentation itself was not included.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00384 Submitted to Shared Services Canada (SSC) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #514689 Involving Sony Perron, Executive Vice President, Shared Services Canada (SSC) and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on September 07, 2021” (Shared Services Canada (SSC), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
The SSC and Amazon Web Services partnership presentation covered their reflections on the past 2 years. The focus of the partnership was the GC Cloud initiative, where they discussed their joint experiences and identified opportunities to improve their collaboration. Although the presentation itself was not included, a list of key participants and an agenda was provided.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00384 Submitted to Shared Services Canada (SSC) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #514689 Involving Sony Perron, Executive Vice President, Shared Services Canada (SSC) and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on September 07, 2021” (Shared Services Canada (SSC), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) contacted the National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister to initiate a discussion about their assistance measures in Ukraine and the surrounding region. The collection of documents related to this contact includes a memorandum and speaking notes.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00558 Submitted to Privy Council Office (PCO) for Records Related to a ’All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #528512 Involving Martin Green, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office (PCO)and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on March 30, 2022. ’ (Privy Council Office (PCO), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  
Scheduled meeting between Sony Perron and Gabrielle Shead.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00374 Submitted to Shared Services Canada for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #534420 Involving Sony Perron, President, Shared Services Canada (SSC) and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on May 31, 2022” (Shared Services Canada, 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  
Amazon Web Services (AWS) contacted the National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister in order to discuss their assistance measures in Ukraine and the surrounding region. The collection of documents accompanying the contact includes a memorandum and speaking notes.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00558 Submitted to Privy Council Office (PCO) for Records Related to a “All Records Relatingto Registered Lobbying Communication #528510 Involving Jody Thomas,National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Privy CouncilOffice (PCO) and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on March 30, 2022” (Privy Council Office (PCO), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  
Amazon Web Services (AWS) contacted the National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister to initiate a discussion regarding their assistance measures in Ukraine and the surrounding region. The collection of documents provided includes a memorandum and speaking notes.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00558 Submitted to Privy Council Office (PCO) for Records Related to a “Allrecords Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #512894 Involving Shawn Tupper, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office (PCO)and Amazon Web Services Canada, Inc. on July 07, 2021.” (Privy Council Office (PCO), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
Document includes some undisclosed information regarding Amazon’s finances, products and initiatives.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request ATI2024-002 Submitted to Business Development Bank of Canada for Records Related to a “All Records(All Notes, Documents, Drafts, Electronic Documents, Emails, Memos, Preparatory Meeting Notes, Reports and Presentations…Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication 535334 Involving Miguel Barrieras.” (Business Development Bank of Canada, 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  

Oracle Canada

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Oracle’s Vice President requested a meeting with Mr. Wagner to discuss Federal CIOs and engage in a conversation about Canada’s broader agenda of accelerating workload migration, cloud adoption, and other related topics, as indicated by an email exchange.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-01677 Submitted to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) for Records Related to a ’All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #491552 Involving Paul Wagner, Interim Chief Technology Officer, Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and Oracle Canada on November 16, 2020. ’ (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), 2020), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  

IBM Canada Ltd.

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IBM has requested a meeting with the National Research Council (NRC) to discuss quantum computing. The meeting aims to explore the potential launch of a National Quantum Strategy spanning seven years (2021-2027) with a budget of $360 million. The discussion will include IBM’s presentation on their discovery accelerator, which took place on Wednesday, March 10. Additionally, IBM inquired about the NRC’s interest in partnering to deploy their quantum computer platform. Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-56 Submitted to National Research Council (NRC) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #517778 Involving Iain Stewart, President, National Research Council (NRC) and IBM Canada Ltd. on November 29, 2021. All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #502234 Involving Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council (NRC) and IBM Canada Ltd. on March 10, 2021. Please Send All Documents as a PDF File.” (National Research Council (NRC), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
There will be a meeting between ECCC (Environment and Climate Change Canada), IBM, and SSC (Shared Services Canada) to discuss their collaboration. The meeting will focus on system upgrades, government plans, and potential risks.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00376 Submitted to Shared Services Canada for Records Related to a ’ All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #517776 Involving Sony Perron, Executive Vice-President, Shared Services Canada (SSC) and IBM Canada Ltd. on November 09, 2021.’ (Shared Services Canada, 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
The documents include an email correspondence between the Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) (Filipe Denis) and Louise Bosquet, Sheena van Veen and Louse Carter with IBM. The contents discuss setting up a meeting/call.  Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2023-00019 Submitted to Bank of Canada for Records Related to a ’“All Records (All Notes, Documents, Drafts, Electronic Documents, Emails, Memos, Preparatory Meeting Notes, Reports and Presentations (Exclude Cabinet Confidences), Relating to Registered Lobbying Communications 540176 (Involving Tiff Macklem, Filipe Dinis and Sylvain Chalut)’ (Bank of Canada, 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.

Google Cloud Canada Corporation

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Pat Dorsey has requested a meeting to discuss tourism analytics and how it can assist the PEI government. The meeting agenda will cover various topics such as climate resilience, healthcare, government community, smart transportation solutions, and tourism.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00020 Submitted to Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #520087 Involving Patrick Dorsey, VP, PEI and Tourism, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Google Cloud Canada Corporation on Dec 9/2021” (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.

Uber Canada Inc.

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The documents include email correspondence between Uber Canada, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and the Privy Council Office (PCO). They discuss arranging a meeting to review the progress on the National agreement. The ongoing correspondence and presentation delve into the role of Uber as an employer in Canada.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00562 Submitted to Privy Council Office (PCO) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #535900 Involving Lisa Setlakwe, Assistant Secretary, Privy Council Office (PCO) and Uber Canada, Inc. on May 05, 2022” (Privy Council Office (PCO), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.  
The documents include email correspondence between Uber Canada, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and the Privy Council Office (PCO). They discuss arranging a meeting to review the progress on the National agreement. The ongoing correspondence and presentation delve into the role of Uber as an employer in CanadaGovernment of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00562 Submitted to Privy Council Office (PCO) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #523296 Involving Jeff Waring, Director General, Privy Council Office (PCO) and Uber Canada, Inc. on January 25, 2022.” (Privy Council Office (PCO), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
The documents include email correspondence between Uber Canada, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and the Privy Council Office (PCO). They discuss arranging a meeting to review the progress on the National agreement. The ongoing correspondence and presentation delve into the role of Uber as an employer in Canada.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00562 Submitted to Privy Council Office (PCO) for Records Related to a ’ All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #535898 Involving Rodney Ghali, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office (PCO) and Uber Canada, Inc. on May 05, 2022.’ (Privy Council Office (PCO), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
The document includes an email exchange where Uber initiates a meeting with Public Safety Canada to discuss their Law Enforcement Operations Initiative. Uber is dedicated to safety, and they would like to share what they are doing with their Law Enforcement Response Team (LERT).  Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00387 Submitted to Public Safety Canada (PSC) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #514261 Involving Myriam Potvin, Executive Director, Public Safety Canada (PS) and Uber Canada, Inc. on August 10, 2021.” (Public Safety Canada (PSC), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.

Microsoft Canada Inc.

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The document includes an email correspondence, research on Brad Smith for the Minister and what topics they can expect to discuss in the meeting prepared for Minister Champagne meeting with Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft Corporation.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00961 Submitted to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #496320 Involving François-Philippe Champagne, Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Microsoft Canada Inc. on January 26, 2021” (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), 2021), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
The document includes an email correspondence discussing Bill C-11 and plans. Notes following business consultations with the Canadian Chamber’s Digital Economy group and ISED. Speaking notes on the importance of telecom matters: policy direction, spectrum, telecom security and universal broadband fund.Government of Canada, Access to Information Request A-2022-00959 Submitted to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) for Records Related to a “All Records Relating to Registered Lobbying Communication #535105 Involving Mark Schaan, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Microsoft Canada Inc. on May 31, 2022.” (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), 2022), http://open.canada.ca/en/access-to-information.
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October 2022 update

By: Helen Beny, PhD Candidate (McMaster University)

As Bill C-18, the Online News Act, and Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act, move through the house and senate, tech companies have ramped up their lobbying. Facebook, Google, Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Netflix registered 34 registered lobbying communications in October (Figure 1).  Meta (Facebook Canada Ltd.) and Alphabet (Google) focussed on C-18 and C-11.

Tech companies have registered 353 lobbying communications so far in 2022. According to our tech lobbying timeline, platforms such as Google and Amazon have increased their lobbying efforts in Canada and overall, this month bringing annual tech lobbying to an all-time annual high.

The following chart shows the number of lobbying communications per company in October 2022:

Google Canada Corporation

In the past month, Google Canada’s Managing Director Sabrina Geremia registered communications with Members of Parliament, Policy Advisors to the Prime Minister, Canadian Heritage Office and Members of the Senate, accounting for nine registered lobbying communications to discuss “broadcasting and media”.  

On October 14th, Colin McKay, head of Public Policy and Government Relations for Google Canada, appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC) as a witness to share their position on Bill C-18. McKay argues that the bill will not meet the government’s intended objective to support Canada’s local journalism industry. Instead, Google has argued that the Bill C-18 will lead to an increase in misinformation because it will reduce the access to legitimate news sources, and it could also lead to a link-tax. (The Canadian Heritage Committee denies this, saying they will not assign a “value” for clicks or links. )

To support their lobbying efforts, Google has commissioned Abacus Data to conduct a national public opinion survey to explore perceptions and views around Bill C-18. Ottawa criticized Google for their survey and stated that they are attempting to avoid accountability.   

Google Canada Corporation

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-04  Martin Champoux, Member of Parliament for Drummond House of CommonsBroadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-04  Fritz-Lionel Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Ben Chin, Senior Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Brian Clow, Deputy Chief of Staff Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Oz Jungic, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)  		Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-13  Thomas Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Canadian Heritage (PCH)  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-19  Scott Tannas, Senator for Alberta Senate of Canada  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-19  Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Thomas Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Canadian Heritage (PCH)  		Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-19  Peter Julian, Member of Parliament for New Westminster—Burnaby House of Commons Jagmeet Singh, Member of Parliament for Burnaby South House of Commons  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-20  Leo Housakos, Senator for Québec Senate of Canada  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-20  Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator for Québec Senate of Canada  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-24  Fritz-Lionel Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)  Broadcasting, Justice and Law Enforcement, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Facebook Canada Ltd.  

Garrick Tiplady (Managing Director) of Facebook Canada Ltd. registered communications with the Deputy Minister Canadian Heritage (PCH) Isabelle Mondou and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Owen Ripley to discuss “industry”. Following suit, Tiplady also noted communications with Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Simon Kennedy and lastly Member of Parliament Rachel Thomas to discuss “industry.” All three lobbying efforts were to discuss “industry” which is not surprising considering that Facebook has warned the Liberal government about Bill C-18 and revenue sharing with news publishers.  

On October 21st Facebook’s blog post revealed that they were not invited by the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to appear as a witness for the study of the Online News Act (Bill C-18). Later on October 28th, the Standing Committee of Canadian Heritage invited Meta to appear and share their position on Bill C-18. Following a heated exchange, Meta emphasized that if the bill passed it could require them to reconsider whether they will continue to share news content on Facebook in Canada. The heritage department did state they are open to revising the bill and that they will continue to meet with the platform.  

Facebook Canada Ltd. Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-07  Isabelle Mondou, Deputy Minister Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH)  		Industry  Garrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
2022-10-19  Simon Kennedy, Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  IndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
2022-10-21  Rachael Thomas, Member of Parliament (Lethbridge) House of Commons  IndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Netflix Services Canada ULC

Netflix has also outlined their concerns regarding Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act. Netflix in particular has warned the committee that the bill could allow the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to serve Canadians content that they may not be interested in watching. In October, the President Reg Thompson registered communications with various members of the Canadian Heritage Office where “arts and culture, broadcasting and consumer issues” were discussed . Following suit, Thompson registered communications with Senator Paula Simmons regarding the same subject matter.

Netflix Services Canada ULC Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-04Paula Simons, Senator Senate of CanadaArts and Culture, Broadcasting, Consumer IssuesReg Thompson, President
2022-10-03  Ron Ahluwalia, Director of Policy Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Ashley Michnowski, Director of Communications Canadian Heritage (PCH)  		Arts and Culture, Broadcasting, Consumer Issues  Reg Thompson, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services is a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Amazon.com Sales and Amazon Foreign Holdings. In the last month, AFS has lobbied key offices, including the Canadian Heritage, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) and Finance Canada–all regarding “broadcasting”. 

As of 2021, Amazon Prime Video has a viewership of 12.2 million in Canada. The increased discussion around Bill C-11 could help explain AFS’ lobbying efforts. Bill C-11 is in the Senate and has passed first reading.

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-09-26Ron Ahluwalia, Directory of Policy Canadian Heritage (PCH)  
Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Canadian (PCH)		BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
2022 – 09-28Scott Shortliffe, Executive Director I Broadcasting Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
2022 – 09-29Anthony Laporte, Director I Strategy and Outreach, Finance Canada (FIN)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
2022-10-27Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (PCH)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Amazon Web Services  

In comparison, Amazon Web Services is interested in promoting the digital economy and is meeting with multiple departments regarding Amazon Cloud and cloud-based services. In the past month, Amazon has met with several offices regarding privacy and access to information, science, and technology.  

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-05Colin Deacon, Senator Senate of CanadaPrivacy and Access to InformationEric Gales, President
2022-10-05Leo Housakos, Senator Senate of CanadaPrivacy and Access to InformationEric Gales, President
2022-10-05Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationEric Gales, President
2022-10-05Mark Schaan, Senior Assistance Deputy Minister I Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector, Innovation, Science and economic Development Canada (ISED)Science and TechnologyEric Gales, President
2022 – 10 – 28Sony Perron, President Shared Services Canada (SSC)Science and TechnologyEric Gales, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

IBM Canada Ltd.  

On October 12th, Dave McCann met with the Ministers of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) and the National Research Council (NRC) to discuss “science and technology.”

On November 10th  IBM announced a new partnership with Net Zero Atlantic –a new member of their IBM Sustainability Accelerator Program. The partners will work to create digital tools to help Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada make informed decisions regarding energy use, severe weather, and climate change.  

IBM Canada Ltd. Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-12Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry House of Commons
Mitch Davies, President National Research Council (NRC)  
Anson Duran, Senior Policy Advisor I Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  
Ian Foucher, Chief of Staff Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  		Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Microsoft Canada Inc.

Microsoft Canada’s President Chris Barry has registered nine communications over the past month to discuss “privacy and access to information, government procurement, industry, and national security”. Microsoft is not in the news, but they are focused on cybersecurity policy and policies around internet safety. This month they participated in the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe Initiative to provide lessons on how to fight phishing. 

Microsoft Canada Inc. Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-09-29Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-09-29Cory Pike, Chief of Staff Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)Government ProcurementChris Barry, President
2022-09-29Scott Jones, Executive Vice President Shared Services Canada (SSC)   Catherine Luelo, Chief Information Officer of Canada Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)   Sony Perron, President Shared Services Canada (SSC)Government ProcurementChris Barry, President
2022-10-13Brian MacKay, Senior Policy Advisor Canadian Heritage (PCH)IndustryChris Barry, President
2022-10-13Rob Jamieson, Senior Advisor Public SafetyNational Security/ SecurityChris Barry, President
2022-10-20Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation, Sicence and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-10-20Mark Schaan, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-10-20Surdas Mohit, Officer Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-10-27David McGuinty, Member of Parliament House of CommonsNational Security/SecurityChris Barry, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Oracle Canada

Oracle Canada lobbied the Chief Technology officer Shared Services Canada (SSC) Matt Davies regarding government procurement to seek opportunities related to innovating public service delivery. This meeting took place after the signing of four contracts this past September.

In September, Oracle Canada attained four government contracts with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, National Film Board, and Shared Services Canada. The listed contracts were related to utility software, storage, telecommunication consults and application software amassing a total cost of 1.4 million.

In the past 12 months, Oracle has lobbied the government on fourteen occasions.  

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-09-29Matt Davies, Chief Technology Officer Shared Services Canada (SSC)Government ProcurementKevin Tetreault
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

In summary, Google, Netflix and Amazon have increased their October lobbying efforts in broadcasting and media in response to new legislation making its way through Parliament (Figure 2). Outside of registered lobbying communications, Google has also published public statements and commissioned a public opinion survey to gauge public sentiment. Aside from Facebook’s most recent blog post, many of the platforms have not lobbied as frequently nor have employed strategies as grand as Google. Ottawa has mentioned that they are willing to conduct more meetings with platforms, so we should continue to see more activity over the next few months. 

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July-September 2022 update

By: Helen Beny, Ph.D Candidate (McMaster University)

In this post we review recent news and monthly communication reports from the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying Canada to update you on the lobbying activities of tech giants in Canada. We have monitored the registered activities of Amazon, Google, Facebook, and IBM from July to September 2022 to provide a general overview of their most recent activities and a table of summary for each company below.  

In the news

On September 15, the Globe & Mail published an editorial criticizing Canada’s federal lobbying regulations in light of revelations that the Prime Minister had a call with Eric Schmidt, the chair of Google and Sidewalk Labs, in 2017, prior to the approval of Sidewalk Labs’ bid to develop a smart city in Toronto. The Editorial Board notes that if a communication is initiated by the government, it is not required to be registered as a lobbying communication and can more easily be kept secret. Sidewalk Labs took a step back following criticisms from the public, but it puts into questions whether Canada’s lobby rules are effective.

Amazon

Based on the data we have gathered from the Commissioner, in the past year, Amazon has logged over 90 registered communications with the Canadian government and many of them this past year are regarding industry and government procurement. Between July 16 and July 22, 2022, Amazon Web Services, under AWS Canada head Eric Gales, has lobbied the Canada School of Public Service; Immigration (President Taki Sarantakis; topic: economic development). The school offers a “Digital Academy” to teach public servants about a range of topics, including cloud computing and cybersecurity. 

AWS also lobbied Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Kyle Nicholson, Director of Policy; topic: immigration), and the Treasury Board (Shirley Ivan, Senior ADM; topic: infrastructure). The Treasury Board is responsible for policies that apply across the federal government, including those related to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. 

Amazon Web Services Lobbying Summary (July – September 2022)

Communication DateDPOH, Position Title | Government InstitutionSubject MattersLobbyist
2022-09-27Mollie Royds, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)Government ProcurementEric Gales
2022-09-16Greg Da Re, Regional Director | Invest in Canada, Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Economic DevelopmentEric Gales
2022-09-14Rob Jamieson, Senior Advisor Public Safety Canada (PS)National Security/SecurityEric Gales
2022-09-14Stephen Burt, Chief Data Officer Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS)Privacy and Access to InformationEric Gales
2022-09-08Zepporah Toh, Senior Director Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)Government ProcurementEric Gales
2022-09-08Dan McKinney, Director National Defence (DND)DefenceEric Gales
2022-08-16Taki Sarantakis, President Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)Economic DevelopmentEric Gales  
2022-08-10Brad Redekopp, Member of Parliament House of CommonsImmigrationEric Gales
2022-08-04Corinne Havard, Policy Advisor National Defence (DND)National Security/Security, DefenceEric Gales
2022-07-22Shirley Ivan, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS)InfrastructureEric Gales
2022-07-22Kyle Nicholson, Director of Policy Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)ImmigrationEric Gales
2022-07-07Taki Sarantakis, President Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)Economic DevelopmentEric Gales
   (Office of the Commissioner 2022)

Amazon Fulfillment Services (AFS) a subsidiary of Amazon, under Sumegha Kumar (President), lobbied the Members of Parliament Francis Drouin and Marie-France Lalonde on the topic of “employment and training.” AFS has built Amazon warehouses around the country, creating jobs and a physical presence for the company in Canada. They also lobbied Finance Canada (Tyler Meredith, Director of Economic Strategy and Planning: topic: taxation and finance). Amazon has become Canada’s largest online retailer and has found a way to limit the taxation of their profits by using their subsidiary AFS. 

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services Lobbying Summary (July – September 2022)

Communication DateDPOH, Position Title | Government InstitutionSubject MattersLobbyist
2022-09-29Anthony Laporte, Director | Strategy and Outreach, Finance Canada (FIN)Taxation and FinanceSumegha Kumar
2022-09-28Scott Shortliffe, Executive Director | Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar
2022-09-26Ron Ahluwalia, Director Of Policy Canadian Heritage (PCH) Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Canadian Heritage (PCH)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar
2022-09-23Samir Kassam, Senior Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Global Affairs Canada (GAC)International TradeSumegha Kumar
2022-08-25Doug Band, Director General | Trade and Anti Dumping Programs, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)International TradeSumegha Kumar
2022-08-25Fred Gaspar, Vice President | Commercial and Trade, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)International TradeSumegha Kumar
2022-08-09Claude DeBellefeuille, Member of Parliament House of CommonsEconomic DevelopmentSumegha Kumar
2022-07-11Tyler Meredith, Director of Economic Strategy and Planning Finance Canada (FIN)Taxation and FinanceSumegha Kumar
         (Office of the Commissioner 2022)

In August, under Amazon Corporate LLC, Mark Johnson lobbied Member of Parliament (Brad Redekopp; topic: employment and training, immigration, economic development, small business, and consumer issues). Last year, Amazon Canada announced their commitment to hire 15,000 full-time and part-time employees across Canada and the company’s expansion could help explain their immigration, economic development, and employment lobbying efforts.  

Amazon Corporate LLC Lobbying Summary (July – September 2022)

Communication DateDPOH, Position Title | Government InstitutionSubject MattersLobbyist
2022-08-24Patricia Sibal, Policy Advisor
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)  		  International Trade  Steve Van Groningen
2022-08-10Brad Redekopp, Member of Parliament House of CommonsConsumer Issues, Economic Development, Employment and Training, Immigration, Small BusinessMark Johnson
(Office of the Commissioner 2022)

Facebook

Between July to September 2022, Garrick Tiplady, (Managing Director) of Facebook Canada Ltd has lobbied the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage (PCH) Isabelle Mondou, the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH) Owen Ripley and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH) Joelle Montminy regarding industry. A month later, Garrick Tiplady lobbied both Isabelle Mondou and Owen Ripley regarding industry. Following this last meeting Garrick Tiplady lobbied Senator Paula Simons of the Senate of Canada regarding industry. Alongside Google’s lobbying efforts, Facebook has attempted to sway the Canadian government to reconfigure Bill C-11 and C-18 to ensure that it does not impede on their business model.  

Facebook Canada Ltd. Lobbying Summary (July – September 2022)

Communication DateDPOH, Position Title | Government InstitutionSubject MattersLobbyist
2022-08-30  Paula Simons, Senator Senate of CanadaIndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
2022-08-04  Isabelle Mondou, Deputy Minister Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH)		IndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
2022-07-05Isabell Mondou, Deputy Minister Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Joelle Montminy, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH)		IndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
(Office of the Commissioner 2022)

                                             

Google

As of July, Google has lobbied the government thirteen times regarding Media and Broadcasting, and they have met with various policy officers and members of Parliament. The uptick in lobbying efforts can be linked to Google’s position on Bill C-11, and in the past week they have launched several campaigns against the bill. Google (Alphabet) and owner of Youtube argues that it will impact their platform’s feeds. Other platforms and organizations such as Meta, movie studios (The Motion Picture Association), and Netflix have also outlined that Bill C-11 would give the broadcast regulator too much power over what content is presented on platforms in Canada. Bill C-11 has passed the House of Commons and is now in the Senate pending approval.  

Google is also lobbying against Bill C-18 because it will require Google to share their revenue with news publishers. In Australia, February 25, 2022, a similar bill was also passed titled the  News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code to protect their local news industry. 

Google’s president of Global Affairs Kent Walker traveled to Ottawa on October 4th to lobby against both Bill C-11 and C-18.  Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez finds that Google is attempting to intimidate Canadians with their campaign.  

However, not all of Google’s lobbying strategies are recorded in Canada’s registry. Most recently, the Globe and Mail has reported that Chris Bittle, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Heritage Minister, has asked the Lobbying Commissioner to investigate the Digital First group for failing to disclose to the committee that they received a $100,000 fund from YouTube and TikTok. This is concerning because Mr. Benzie the founder of Digital First Canada group is huge critic of Bill C-11. In addition, Google has also offered to fund a lobbyist to represent independent news publishers to voice their concerns around the Online News Act. Thus far, the coalition of small publishers consists of more than 100 independent news outlets.  

Google Canada Corporation Lobbying Summary (July – September 2022)

Communication DateDPOH, Position Title | Government InstitutionSubject MattersLobbyist
2022-09-23Lionel Fritz Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-09-16Mike Morrice, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre House of CommonsBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-09-13Bernadette Clement, Senator for Ontario Senate of CanadaBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-09-13Marty Klyne, Senator for Saskatchewan Senate of CanadaBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-09-08Thomas Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Canadian Heritage (PCH)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-09-07Donna Dasko, Senator for Ontario Senate of CanadaBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-09-01Ian Foucher, Chief of Staff | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Science and Technology, Broadcasting, Privacy and Access to Information, Economic Development, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-08-30Karen Sorensen, Senator for Alberta Senate of CanadaBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-08-23Nadia Kadri, Director of Policy | Office of the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Broadcasting, Taxation and Finance, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-08-08Paula Simons, Senator for Alberta Senate of CanadaBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-22Tyler Meredith, Director of Economic Strategy and Planning | Office of the Minister, Finance Canada (FIN)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-18Lionel Fritz Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-15Samir Kassam, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister of International Trade, Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-15Jaxson Khan , Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Peter Opdam , Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-12Lionel Fritz Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-11Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre House of CommonsBroadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-07-06Philip Lawrence, Member of Parliament for Northumberland—Peterborough South House of CommonsBroadcasting, MediaJosie Sabatino, Consultant
2022-07-05Ron Ahluwalia , Director of Policy | Office of the Minister , Canadian Heritage (PCH)Broadcasting, MediaSabrina Geremia, Managing Director
(Office of the Commissioner 2022)

                                                                                                  

IBM

Over the past century, IBM Canada has invested in Canada’s research and development. In the past three months, IBM has lobbied the government ten times regarding science and technology. IBM has invested in Canada’s research and development and in February 2022, IBM and the Government of Quebec launched a partnership to accelerate research in new energy solutions, life sciences, quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing. In May, IBM partnered with Newfoundland and Labrador and invested $18 million to strengthen research and development. They launched two initiatives –the Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research (CAIR) and the Accelerated Analytics and Machine Learning (AAML) project. IBM’s Dave McCann and Bridget Howe met with members of the Office of the Minister Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). In the past three months six out of the ten communications have been with the ISED office. IBM is actively engaged with the Canadian government to discuss Canada’s copyright framework for Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. 

IBM Canada Ltd. Lobbying Summary (July – September 2022)

Communication DateDPOH, Position Title | Government InstitutionSubject MattersLobbyist
2022-09-29  Anson Duran, Senior Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Boyan Gerasimov, Director of Policy | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-29  Gérard Deltell, Member of Parliament for Louis-Saint-Laurent House of CommonsScience and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-21  Ty Curran, Director, Policy and Issues Management | Office of the Minister, Public Safety Canada (PS)
Rob Jamieson, Senior Advisor | Office of the MInister, Public Safety Canada (PS)		Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-21  Jasraj Singh Hallan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Forest Lawn House of Commons  Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-21  Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans House of Commons  Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-21  Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh House of CommonsScience and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-21  Corinne Havard, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, National Defence (DND)
Tristan Laycock, Director of Parliamentary Affairs | Office of the Minister, National Defence (DND)		Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-09-21Corinne Havard, Policy Advisor National Defence (DND)
Wilder Walker-Stewart, Special Assistant-Policy National Defence (DND		Economic Development, Employment and Training, Government Procurement, Intellectual Property, Research and Development, Science and Technology  Bridget Howe, Consultant
2022-09-21  Anson Duran, Senior Policy Director Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)		Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
2022-09-21Anson Duran, Senior Policy Director Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)		Economic Development, Industry, Research and Development, Science and Technology  Bridget Howe, Consultant
2022-08-09  Francis Bilodeau,  Associate Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
2022-08-08  Francis Bilodeau, Associate Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
2022-08-05  Jenna Sudds, Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton House of Commons  Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
2022-08-02  Peter Opdam, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
2022-07-21  Sylvain Chalut, Managing Director & Chief Information Officer Bank of Canada
Filipe Dinis, Chief Operating Officer Bank of Canada
Tiff Macklem, Governor Bank of Canada  		Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-07-11  Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-07-10  Anson Duran, Senior Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  Science and Technology  Dave McCann, President
2022-07-05  Elisabeth d’Amours, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Transport Canada (TC)  Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
(Office of the Commissioner 2022)

                                                                                               

What’s Next?

The brief analysis and tables provide a snapshot of the tech lobbying practices of Amazon, Facebook, Google, and IBM. While this summary does not explain all their activities, tech lobbying practices have increased in Canada overtime. In particular, the Trudeau government has encouraged their expansion to promote economic development. However, there needs to be more transparency and scrutiny. Over the course of this project, we will continue to monitor tech lobbying practices over time in attempts to illuminate their influence on existing and/or emerging policies.