New Commissioner of Lobbyists Appointed

  • Justice and Public Safety

May 12, 2021

The Honourable John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced that Allison M. Whelan has been appointed as Commissioner of Lobbyists. Ms. Whelan replaces LeeAnn Montgomery, who had served in the position since 2005.

Ms. Whelan is a St. John’s based lawyer with Stewart McKelvey who primarily practices in the area of tax litigation and tax planning. A full biography can be found in the backgrounder below.

The Commissioner of Lobbyists is responsible for investigating, on reasonable grounds, possible violations of the Lobbyist Registration Act or Code of Conduct; prohibiting or canceling the registration of lobbyists whom the commissioner determines to have gravely or repeatedly breached the obligations imposed by the Act or the Code; and, ordering that some or all registration information be kept confidential. This differs from the Registrar of Lobbyists, with Digital Government and Service NL, who is responsible for maintaining the registry of lobbyists.

The appointment follows the merits-based process established by the Independent Appointments Commission Act and recommendations of the Independent Appointments Commission. Ms. Whelan begins her five-year term effective immediately.

Quote
“As a government we recognize the public has a right to know who is lobbying and who is being lobbied. The Commissioner of Lobbyists plays an important role in ensuring these functions are met. Ms. Whelan understands the importance of her new role and I am confident she will serve the province well.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Commissioner of Lobbyists

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Media contact
Danielle Barron
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 691-2944
daniellebarron@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Allison M. Whelan
Allison Whelan is a partner in the St. John’s office of Stewart McKelvey. She primarily practices in the area of tax litigation and tax planning. Ms. Whelan has appeared before all levels of court in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as before the Tax Court of Canada. In 2018, Ms. Whelan graduated with a Masters in Tax Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.

In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Whelan currently serves as a Commissioner on the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission and as a board director of the Kids Eat Smart Foundation. She is also the Section Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Newfoundland Tax Law section, and she is an instructor of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Bar Admission Course.

2021 05 12 9:45 am