Kamal Aboulmagd

A developer is lobbying the province to speed up approvals for a project in Guelph.

was registered last week by Devan Sommerville, a consultant with Counsel Public Affairs Inc., as part of a lobbying push engage the province to find ways to expedite approvals related to the development of lands in the City of Guelph known as the “Guelph Innovation District." These are lands formerly owned by the Province of Ontario and were sold to Fusion Homes in 2021 with the intent that Fusion would develop housing and other commercial and/or institutional uses on the lands.

, the province made changes to the Guelph's updated official plan that impacted the project, but last October, Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Paul Calandra announced the government was backing off those changes. As part of this, he gave municipalities 45 days to submit comments on what, if any, changes they would like to see kept in place.

As the Mercury reports, those changes related to the city's 2014 secondary plan for the Guelph Innovation District. The province's move reduce the amount of land designated for employment use and instead making it residential and mixed use. Maximum building heights were also raised to 18 storeys in some locations.

City staff recommended that council vote to revert to the 2014 plan but Guelph councillors narrowly backed keeping the province's change in a Dec. 6 vote.

Since January 13th, there has been a relatively balanced spread of registrations, with no organizations with more than 3 registrations. 

Gap Inc., CNIB Foundation, Canadian Propane Association, ReVital Polymers Inc., 

were the most registered organizations, with three registrations made on their behalf.

once again led all registrant groups, with 10 unique registrations. 

were the next most active registrant groups, with nine unique registrations. 

 was next, with seven unique registrations. 

The Capital Hill Group, Loyalist Public Affairs, 

had four unique registrations during that time frame. Lastly, 

led all lobbyists with five registrations. Michael Ras of 

 followed with four unique registrations each.

were registered by Benjamin Lamb, a consultant with Wellington Advocacy. The goal of the registration was to keep the Government of Ontario informed on an ongoing basis about issues relating to and of importance to Ontario's dairy farm families, and how to improve policies pertaining to the largest sector in Ontario agriculture as informed by feedback from Ontario's dairy farmers.

was registered by both Grace Baxter, a consultant with Enterprise Canada, as well as Denise Hockaday, the 

 CEO. The purpose of their joint registration was to discuss Ontario Regulation 402, which pertains to marketing of chicken in Ontario, as well as Ontario Regulation 403, which relates to the Ontario Chicken Plan. Their intention with these discussions is to monitor changes that impact supply management.

In recent arts/culture/copyright registrants:

was registered by Jessica Georgakopoulos, a consultant with Sussex Strategy Group, to aid the client to acquire additional funding to have a larger and expanded summer festival and program offering.

was registered by Devan Sommerville, a consultant with Counsel Public Affairs Inc., to engage the Province of Ontario to find ways to expedite approvals related to the development of lands in the City of Guelph known as the “Guelph Innovation District”. These are lands formerly owned by the Province of Ontario and sold to 

 in 2021 with the intent that the client would develop housing and other commercial and/or institutional uses on the lands.

was registered by Jessica Georgakopoulos, a consultant with Sussex Strategy Group to assist the client in navigating the long term care home new development process.

Karl Baldauf, a consultant with McMillan Vantage registered on behalf of 

. The purpose of this registration was to discuss with the government how to address housing affordability and the supply shortage, as well as the shortage of skilled trades workers.

was registered by Nico Fidani-Diker, a consultant with ONpoint Strategy Group. The goal of this registration was to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of the proposed development site located at 12100 Creditview Rd. in Caledon and work with public office holders to move projects forward in a timely manner.

was registered by Patrick Lavelle-Tuns, a consultant with Endgame Strategies with the intention of managing the client’s public relations relative to construction projects.

Peter Van Loan, a consultant with Aird and Berlis, registered on behalf of 

 to discuss the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Planning Act. Specifically, how the interpretations and applications will facilitate the development of the client’s lands, including with respect to the municipal comprehensive review of the Toronto Official Plan pursuant to section 26 of the Planning Act.

 was registered in-house by Sherry Larjani, their President and Founder. The goal of this registration was to find ways to attain faster approval and zoning processes, and a clearer process for receiving an MZO, and better communication with government staff overall. The reason for this is to facilitate the construction of the client’s 

6 Dawes Fitzrovia Inc., Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association, CRH Canada Group Inc., River Valley Developments, Royalpark Homes, Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc., Oskar Group, White Owl Properties Limited, OTT Properties and Development Group, CRH Canada Group Inc., 611428 Ontario Limited

In recent energy/environment/climate registrants:

was registered by Amber Irwin, Nathan Scheewe, and Jordan Angus, all consultants with The Capital Hill Group with the hope to help create a fair and level playing field in terms of policy development, where the propane industry can be a full contributor in providing affordable energy, reducing emissions while maintaining and creating jobs in Ontario.

was registered by Bonnie Hiltz, a consultant with Sussex Strategy Group. The goal of this registration was to advance 

 interests in energy-related policy, particularly related to hydroelectric generation, and inter-jurisdictional energy trading. Also on matters related to the smart grid, energy storage. Additionally, to participate in Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) deliberations on capacity auctions, supply procurements and market renewal.

 was registered by Jake Roseman, a consultant with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, as well as Brad Corson, their President and CEO. The goal of their registrations was three-fold. First was to communicate with government officials about environmental legislation and regulations, including the Environmental Protection Act, the Green Energy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act. Next, to provide input about energy legislation and regulations. Lastly, to discuss legislation and regulations related to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act with government officials.

 was registered by Dan Pfeffer, a consultant with Public Affairs Advisors, to assist the client in their exploration of a project related to carbon capture and storage in Ontario and wants to discuss with the government the regulatory barriers these projects face.

EDF - EN Canada Inc., Canadian Nuclear Association, Enbridge Inc, Power Corporation of Canada, Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc.

was registered by Francesca Grosso and Carolyn Kim, both consultants with Gross McCarthy Inc. for two purposes. First was to make progress on the client’s capital project for rehab and advocate for appropriate funding for rehab for frail elderly complex patients. The other goal of this registration was to advocate for hospital to home services.

Ontario Medical Association Section on Chronic Pain 

was registered by Christopher Mourtos and David Morgado, consultants with ONpoint Strategy Group to bring attention to the Ministry of Health of an imaging policy proposal that could impact patient access to care as well as patient outcomes.

was registered by Danielle Peters, a consultant with Magnet Strategy Group to actively promote the value of the pharmaceutical industry for the Province's economic health and well being, but more importantly for the health and well being of its citizens and to propose solutions for integrated health care in Ontario. As part of the initiatives, Merck Canada Inc. seeks to have its products listed on the Ontario Drug Beneficiary Formulary and have publicly funded immunization programs.

was registered by John Capobianco, a consultant with FleishmanHillard HighRoad Corp. to provide input into creating a more more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain with increased supply redundancy by supporting a coordinated approach to establish a list of high priority/essential medicines for potential government procurement.

was registered in-house by Kiersten Combs, their President for a myriad of legislative lobbying efforts. Primarily, The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance for innovative pharmaceutical products, and other health system policies arising from the work of the Council of the Federation. As well as the current Product Listing Agreement (PLA) policy framework overseen by The Drugs and Devices Program. An additional topic of discussion during this lobbying effort was the time to list delays and accelerating access, particularly in Oncology as well as the inequity of coverage for Take Home Oncology Drugs.

 was registered in-house by Michael Guerriere, their CEO. The goal of this registration was to lobby for improvements in seniors’ care regulation and funding, caregiver compensation, greater supply of health human resources and the advancement of long-term care development.

 was registered by Rob Leone, a consultant with Earnscliffe Strategy Group with the goal of seeking an industry-led consultation on the reimbursement of nutritional products from the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan for better patient health. Also supporting patients in long term care homes get the nutrition they need.

The Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories 

was registered by Sarah Letersky, a consultant with Rubicon Strategy to facilitate meetings with government officials to ensure timely and reliable access to laboratory services in Ontario, and to highlight the value of community laboratory services in the broader healthcare system.

Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders 

was registered by William Dempster, a consultant with 3Sixty Public Affairs Inc. to work with officials to establish policies or programs related to treatments and care for patients and families affected by rare disorders, ensure access to essential treatments for rare disorders, further research and development for therapies and high quality healthcare for rare disorders.

: Ontario Dental Hygienists Association, Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, Intuitive Surgical Canada Inc., Ontario Society of Chiropodists, Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC, Association of Ontario Midwives, Dynacare, Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, Ontario Psychological Association, CognisantMD, Takeda Canada Inc., Canadian Medical Association, Sanofi.

was registered in-house by Ammar Al-Joundi, their President and CEO. The goal of this registration was to raise awareness with government officials with respect to the Company's operations and development plans for mining projects in Ontario, including employment and training, opportunities and benefits for Indigenous peoples and local communities, and the Company’s consultation and environmental management programs.

was registered by Elena Mantagaris, Fraser Macdonald, and Lisa Samson, all consultants with StrategyCorp Inc. The goal of their joint registrations was to request meetings with government officials to address rail infrastructure requirements to support economic development.

 was registered by Jonathan Lesarge and Michaela Johnson, both consultants with Jenni Byrne and Associates. The goal of this registration was to discuss the reduction of red tape within the cannabis sector to enable more secure retail spaces and facilitate more investment in the sector.

was registered by Troy Ross, a consultant with TRM Public Affairs. The purpose of this registration was to allow for greater product choice of electronic raffle options for charities sold through convenience stores. Additionally, to ensure the appropriate education and training of convenience store staff related to beverage alcohol service, age restrictions and regulatory compliance.

: Umicore SA/NV, IAMGOLD Corporation, Power Workers' Union,

was registered in-house by Aubrey LeBlanc, their Director for Canada Operations. The purpose of this registration was to provide input and support to the regulatory activities of government at all levels with respect to digital government, data standards, reducing red tape, streamlining of community development, supply of affordable housing and related infrastructure, modernization and associated topics; for each authority having jurisdiction and the system as a whole.

was registered by Daniel Brock, a consultant with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP to promote awareness of the Voyce interpretation service, which provides active two-way video interpretation service for hundreds of languages.

 was registered by Mackenzie Taylor, a consultant with Sussex Strategy to assist the client work with and provide a service to the government to meet its IT goals.

was registered by Nevin French, a consultant with Edelman Global Advisory to engage the Province of Ontario to solicit their printers and workplace devices.

 was registered by Peter Zakarow, a consultant with Alexynn Strategy, as they facilitated a meeting between Minister Todd McCarthy and the CEO Of Google Cloud.

IDENTOS Inc, Hitachi Vantara, IBM Canada Ltd., Canadian Web3 Council / Conseil canadien du Web3, Oracle Corp., Rogers Communications Inc., Samsung Electronics Canada Inc., IDEMIA Identity and Security

was registered in-house by Jason Stoicevich, their president and CEO. The primary goal of this registration was to provide input and recommendations regarding government policies and plans that impact ZEV transition, adoption and manufacturing in Ontario. Additionally, they want to discuss the long-term energy plan, specifically to ensure GHG requirements recognize the industry's trade exposure and any program implemented that requires revenue from recycling methods must be fairly distributed and found for both engineering & implementing projects to offset these costs. Lastly, they continued to lobby for an automotive industrial restructuring/exemption impacting electricity prices that will continue to support Ontario's competitiveness for automotive manufacturing.

was registered in-house by Michael Keroullé, their president for the Americas. The purpose of this registration was to advocate for provincial investment, public transit initiatives, innovation and sustainability mobility solutions across Ontario. As well as to secure funding for transit projects that will serve Ontario’s travelling public, urban development, economic development and job creation.

Procore Canada, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, CNIB Foundation, Gap Inc., Qualtrics International Inc., Brampton Brick Ltd., Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services (ACSESS), Liddy Group, Professional Engineers Ontario, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, Slate Asset Management, Municipality of Temagami, Investment Industry Association of Canada, Reliance Comfort Limited Partnership dba Reliance Home Comfort (“Reliance”), Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), Bimbo Canada, Toronto Wholesale Produce Association, CAA Insurance Company, Impact Auto Auctions Ltd., Council of Ontario Directors of Education, Cookin Inc, Ontario Principals' Council, Pure Storage, ServiceNow, CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association), Kiewit Canada Group Inc., Clifton Blake Asset Management, City of London, PearTree Financial Services, Redeemer University, The Learning Enrichment Foundation, Mastercard Canada, Bird Canada, MarshallZehr Group Inc, Borale Canada, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries

Fusion Homes was registered last week by Devan Sommerville, a consultant with Counsel Public Affairs Inc.

Who's Lobbying for Whom: Developer lobbying province on Guelph project

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