Advocating for

Greater Transparency Greater Accountability Lobbyist Registry in Markham

Transparency Markham is a City of Markham Ratepayers Group. Its members advocate for Greater Transparency and Accountability in Government through the implementation of a Lobbyist Registry in the City of Markham

Lobbying Elected Officials is legal and happens everyday.

Companies and organizations of all types communicate with our elected officials everyday, and they should. Everyone has a vested interest in their community and there is nothing wrong for advocating for business or organization to further your agenda

Lobbying should be done transparently and ethically.

Residents deserve the right to know who is influencing, advocating, and lobbying elected public officials on behalf of their company, organization, or causes. It gives residents insight on why public officials take stances on issues and vote in council.

A Lack of Lobbying Transparency leads to…

Rumours and Speculation

Unfounded Accusations

False Assumptions

Lobbyist registry ends unhelpful and unhealthy civic discourse by…

  • Allowing residents to ask better questions based on facts

  • Stop unfounded attacks based on rumours and speculation

  • Give context to why decisions are made and votes are casted

The Auditor General of Ontario agrees that lobbying needs to be more transparent.

“Lobbying has the potential to influence government to make decisions that do not represent the interests of the majority.” (Page 66)

“Although it is a driver of political change and has always been part of Canadian politics, lobbying is closely related to patronage (the exchange of personal gifts or favours) and carries with it the potential for conflict of interest. Therefore, it is usually closely scrutinized and regulated” (Page 66)

Recommendation #15: Strengthen lobbyist registration and regulatory oversight powers of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner (Page 93)

See the Full Auditor General's Special Report on Changes to the Greenbelt

What can YOU do as a Markham Resident?

Join Transparency Markham Community Assocation and formally join the collective voice to call to implement a Lobbyist Registry in Markham

Transparency Markham is a Ratepayers Association here in Markham. We are formally organizing as a ratepayers association because…

Petitions can easily be manipulated, dismissed, and ignored.

A Ratepayers Association is formal, verified, and has legitimacy to speak on behalf of residents.

Join Transparency Markham and lend your voice to demand transparency and accountability in the City of Markham Council

  • Membership to the Transparency Markham Community Assocation is FREE.

  • Any resident in the City of Markham over the age of 18 may join. This includes all homeowners, renters, and students.

  • You become a member of a Ratepayers Association and a a verified group of residents that call on greater transparency and accountability in government

  • There are no festivals or parties that will be organized. We are strictly advocating for positive change in City of Markham Council.

  • You will be kept informed of developments through email, or town hall meetings

  • You address is required for us to verify that you are a resident of the City of Markham.

FAQs about
Transparency Markham

  • Transparency Markham is a proposed Ratepayers Association that is being organized to advocate for greater transparency and accountability at Markham City Council.

  • Transparency Markham is 100% free to join. No strings attached.

  • Traditionally, petitions are the way to demonstrate a cause. However, lobbying has repeatedly been a topic dismissed by numerous members of Markham City Council.

    Petitions can easily be dismissed or “stuffed”, a way to fill a petition with unqualified or illegitimate people to poison the entire petition effort.

    A Ratepayers Association is a group of qualified, valid, and highly engaged people whose legitimacy cannot be called in question.

    The Ratepayers Association essentially becomes a qualified and legitimate petition that cannot be dismissed.

  • Any resident over the age of 18 residing in the City of Markham.

  • We are not holding any events, festivals, or parades. We will hold at least one regular meeting a year to keep the membership informed of progress for better transparency and accountability. You will also be informed through communications through email as well.

  • A group of residents passionate about transparent and accountable government is organizing this Ratepayers Association.

    Chair: Ray Lai
    Vice-Chair: Nyron Ali
    Secretary: Emilie Lam

  • Sure!

    Here is the adopted constitution.

FAQs about Lobbying and Lobbyist Registries

  • A lobbyist registry is a mechanism to track companies and organizations that officially meets with publicly elected officials to promote their business, a cause, or influence decision making in government.

  • NO.

    Lobbying is legal, and an essential part of government in Canada. A Lobbyist Registry aims to bring transparency and accountability to lobbying so residents know who is influencing those making decisions, and can ask relevant questions based on facts.

  • Lobbyist registry policies generally does not require private citizens, charities, or even ratepayer groups to have to register to represent themselves as private citizens.

    Meaning, if you want to call your city councillor to complain about trash pickup, that’s not lobbying and does not require registration.

  • Anyone that represents a company, lobbying firm (YES! Those exist), or an organization that aims to influence decision making at council may have to register.

    Rules around who needs to register will need to be decided in council when adopting a Lobbyist Registry.

  • Everything costs money in today’s world. Snow removal, parks, even public EV chargers. A lobbyist registry will cost money. There’s no hiding that fact.

    The real question is: Is it worth using our tax dollars to improve transparency and accountability in government? Is it worth it to end speculation and false accusation?

    We believe so.