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. 

Company Profile: IBM

By Fizza Kulvi, PhD Candidate (McMaster University)

The lobbying practices of IBM Canada have not received as much journalistic attention as companies like Uber, Netflix, and Google. However, data from the Canadian lobbyist registry combined with public information provided by the company itself helps us get a sense of IBM’s lobbying in the US and Canada.

IBM emphasizes its investments in Canada, particularly in research, development, and innovation. It has registered lobbying interventions in policy debates ranging from cybersecurity, economic development, privacy, and health. The company highlights its research partnerships with the federal government, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Alberta.

IBM lobbying in the US

IBM emphasizes that is one of only a handful of major companies that does not make financial contributions to political parties in the United States. The company has never had a political action committee, yet it has established a strong presence in Washington by lobbying and financing intermediaries. IBM lobbies about promoting modernized technology for governance, cybersecurity, competitive open source 5G market, trustworthy AI, Section 230 reform, and data privacy legislation. IBM has also decided to intervene in issues like immigration reform and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It took a stance against facial recognition software used for policing and surveillance. These interventions are a result of increasing pressures from shareholders, consumers and employees to address the company’s social impact.

Who lobbies for IBM in Canada?

IBM has relied on the lobbying expertise of numerous consultants from Crestview Strategy including Alexander Byrne-Krzycki, John O’Leary, Bryan Detchou, and Bridget Howe. All consultants have held public offices ranging from the House of Commons, Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Senate. Another consulting firm associated with IBM Canada is the Capital Hill Group.

Two of IBM Canada’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Executives, Tiéoulé Traoré and Alayne Crawford, have also held public office positions. Traoré served as a Parliamentary Assistant for an MP from Trois-Rivières from 2012 to 2014 while Crawford held multiple positions at the Prime Minister’s Office between 2008 and 2010.

A list of the most recent IBM consultants that have held public office is provided below.

NameLobbyist DetailsPositionPublic Offices Held
Alexander Byrne-KrzyckiConsultantConsultant, CrestviewLegislative Assistant, House of Commons, Office of Ali Ehsassi (2021-2022); Legislative Assistant, House of Commons, Office of Sonia Sidhu (2018-2018)
John O’LearyConsultantConsultant, Crestview StrategyDirector of Communications
Privy Council Office, Office of the Minister of Democratic Institutions (2016-2017); Director of Communications
Employment and Social Development Canada, Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour (2016-2016)
Bryan DetchouConsultantConsultant, Crestview StrategySpecial Advisor to the Usher of the Black Rod
Parliament of Canada, Senate of Canada (2019-2021); Special Assistant to Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard
Parliament of Canada, Senate of Canada (2018-2018); Special Assistant to the Usher of the Black Rod
Parliament of Canada, Senate of Canada (2015-2017); Administrative Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Commons
Parliament of Canada, House of Commons (2014-2015)
Cameron DohertyConsultantConsultant, Crestview StrategyMember’s Assistant
House of Commons, Office of the Hon. Diane Finley (2020-2021); Parliamentary Assistant
House of Commons, Office of the Hon. Diane Finley (2020-2020)
Bridget HoweConsultantConsultant, Crestview StrategySpecial Assistant
Liberal Research Bureau, House of Commons (2018-2020); Parliamentary Assistant
Member of Parliament, Kirsty Duncan, House of Commons (2017-2018); Constituency Office Caseworker
Member of Parliament, Lloyd Longfield, House of Commons (2016-2017)
Tiéoulé TraoréSenior Officer whose lobbying activities represent 20% or more of their Duties  Government and Regulatory Affairs ExecutiveParliamentary Assistant
House of Commons, Office of the Member of Parliament for Trois-Rivières (2012-2014)
Alayne CrawfordSenior Officer whose lobbying activities represent 20% or more of their Duties  Government and Regulatory Affairs ExecutiveSenior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of State for Seniors, Minister’s Office (2010-2010); Advance to the Prime Minister
Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister’s Office (2008-2010); Communications Assistant
Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister’s Office (2008-2008)
Regan WattsSenior Officer whose lobbying activities represent less than 20% of their DutiesHead: Innovation, Corporate, and Government AffairsDirector – Strategic Planning
Finance Canada, Minister’s Office (2010-2012); Senior Policy Advisor
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Minister’s Office (2009-2010); Director – Parliamentary Affairs
Health Canada, Minister’s Office (2008-2009); Policy Advisor (Infrastructure)
Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities, Minister’s Office (2007-2008); National Caucus Liaison and Executive Assistant to the Minister
Finance Canada, Minister’s Office (2006-2007)
Jonathan BallingallConsultantConsultant, The Capital Hill GroupDirector of Operations
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada (2014-2015); MANAGER OF OPERATIONS & SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT REGIONAL AFFAIRS, APPOINTMENTS AND NCC
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada (2013-2014); SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE MINISTER
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada (2011-2013)
David AngusConsultantConsultant, The Capital Hill GroupCaucus Liaison
House of Commons, Prime Minister’s Office (1985-1987)

What does IBM lobby about in Canada?

IBM Canada has intervened in policy debates about economic development, intellectual property, cybersecurity, immigration, taxation and finance, government procurement, and more. The tech company has taken a stance on Bill C-26: Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act, Bill C-27: Digital Charter Implementation Act, as well as policies and programs related to temporary foreign workers, COVID-19, and regional economic development.

IBM also influences Canadian communication policy through investments in collaborative innovation through its IBM Canada Research and Development Centre (CRDC). One area of focus is promoting “made in Canada” disruptive technologies. This policy objective is carried out through the Southern Ontario Smart Computing and Innovation Platform (SOSCIP) consortium which consists of the CRDC, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, and seven Canadian universities. SOSCIP is credited with implementing Canada’s most powerful advanced computing platforms.

Another example is the IBM Alberta Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS), formed in partnership with the Government of Alberta. CAS engages Alberta university professors and students with IBM research, staff, and technologies to create technological solutions to challenges in environment, healthcare, and natural resource management. IBM also has made investments in Quebec (MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre) and Atlantic Canada (IBM Services Centre: Nova Scotia, CARET Partnership, CHIA, New Brunswick IT Delivery Center).

What government institutions does IBM lobby in Canada?

IBM has lobbied many government institutions in Canada. A list of the most recent institutions is provided below. This list was created using data from the Lobbying Registry.

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
  • Bank of Canada
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
  • Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
  • Export Development Canada (EDC)
  • Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
  • Finance Canada (FIN)
  • Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
  • Health Canada (HC)
  • House of Commons
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC)
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
  • National Defence (DND)
  • National Research Council (NRC)
  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC)
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
  • Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
  • Privy Council Office (PCO)
  • Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
  • Public Safety Canada (PS)
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
  • Senate of Canada
  • Service Canada (ServCan)
  • Shared Services Canada (SSC)
  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
  • Transport Canada (TC)
  • Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS)
  • Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)