In The Media

‘Extraordinary’ Canada-U.S. trade spat brings lobbyist ‘out of the woodwork’

by Samantha Wright Allen (feat. Sarah Goldfeder)

The Hill Times
July 4, 2018

The growing trade war between Canada and the United States prompted almost three-dozen new filings in the federal lobbyist registry over the last two months as Canada plotted its response to U.S.-imposed steel and aluminum tariffs.

Even with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicking in July 1, lobbyists are predicting the uptick will continue in Ottawa as groups jockey against more expected tariffs to be imposed on other countries.

Of the 86 registrations that mention steel or aluminum as of July 3, 32 were created in the last two months for the first time. A further 13 were created earlier this year and 67 were updated this year, many of which specifically refer to Canada’s response to steel and aluminum tariffs as a key point the registrants plan to lobby officials on. Several companies have multiple registrations with several consultants at the same firm.