Political Law

Alleged Conflict of Interest? We represent your interests.
Whether you are doing business with government, lobbying, or hiring a former public official, we can help you develop corporate strategies that anticipate conflicts and reduce risk. While our focus is on growth, we also conduct due-diligence reviews, respond to enforcement proceedings, and prepare companies for parliamentary inquiries.
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Overview

We have the largest Canadian legal team devoted to political law. We’re widely recognized as leaders, practicing on behalf of domestic and foreign corporations, organizations, public office holders, political parties, candidates and individuals.

Combining deep legal expertise with knowledge of regulatory enforcement, we provide practical and useful guidance to clients.

Fasken assists with lobbyist registration, lobbying compliance and navigating rules on hospitality and gifts. We also respond to enforcement proceedings, conduct due diligence audits, develop corporate policies and assess public-sector conflicts of interest on our clients’ behalf.

In employment matters, we advise corporate clients on hiring former government officials, determining how “revolving-door” and other rules might apply. We also facilitate individual applications for waivers, reductions and exemptions for former government officials.

Our team includes a former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Canada who now serves as the integrity commissioner for 20 municipalities, and the author of Canada’s leading legal text on the law of lobbying.

Subscribe to updates from our group, browse our recent work or contact any of our lawyers to learn more.

Be confident. Know the rules and navigate any recent changes before you act.

Areas of Expertise

  • Election and Election Finance, Fasken interprets, advises on, and represents clients under the laws that govern federal, provincial and local campaigns. We understand the sensitivities and provide discrete, effective representation.
  • Lobbyist Registration and Lobbying Law, As lobbying laws evolve, it’s essential to keep up with the rules. A contravention could result in fines, damage your reputation or harm your business.
  • Parliamentary and Legislative Investigations, Preparing for committee investigations, which go beyond the traditional rules of the courtroom, requires specailized expertise in law, policy, and politics.
  • Public Sector Conflict of Interest Law, Fasken offers the only team of Canadian lawyers who concentrate on government ethics and conflict of interest.
Election and Election Finance Election and Election Finance Fasken interprets, advises on, and represents clients under the laws that govern federal, provincial and local campaigns. We understand the sensitivities and provide discrete, effective representation. Read more
Lobbyist Registration and Lobbying Law Lobbyist Registration and Lobbying Law As lobbying laws evolve, it’s essential to keep up with the rules. A contravention could result in fines, damage your reputation or harm your business. Read more
Parliamentary and Legislative Investigations Parliamentary and Legislative Investigations Preparing for committee investigations, which go beyond the traditional rules of the courtroom, requires specailized expertise in law, policy, and politics. Read more
Public Sector Conflict of Interest Law Public Sector Conflict of Interest Law Fasken offers the only team of Canadian lawyers who concentrate on government ethics and conflict of interest. Read more
Election and Election Finance Election and Election Finance Fasken interprets, advises on, and represents clients under the laws that govern federal, provincial and local campaigns. We understand the sensitivities and provide discrete, effective representation. Read more
Lobbyist Registration and Lobbying Law Lobbyist Registration and Lobbying Law As lobbying laws evolve, it’s essential to keep up with the rules. A contravention could result in fines, damage your reputation or harm your business. Read more
Parliamentary and Legislative Investigations Parliamentary and Legislative Investigations Preparing for committee investigations, which go beyond the traditional rules of the courtroom, requires specailized expertise in law, policy, and politics. Read more
Public Sector Conflict of Interest Law Public Sector Conflict of Interest Law Fasken offers the only team of Canadian lawyers who concentrate on government ethics and conflict of interest. Read more

Achievements

  • Recognized in Administrative and Public law, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 to 2026
  • Ranked nationwide in Administrative & Public Law, The Globe and Mail 2023 to 2026
Best Lawyers Publication name with laurels The Best Lawyers in Canada Recognized in Administrative and Public law Best Lawyers is an attorney ranking service. For more than 30 years, it has identified lawyers best qualified to represent clients in various jurisdictions and specialties. Read more
The Globe and Mail The Globe and Mail Ranked nationwide in Administrative & Public Law This award is presented by The Globe and Mail and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
Best Lawyers Publication name with laurels The Best Lawyers in Canada Recognized in Administrative and Public law Best Lawyers is an attorney ranking service. For more than 30 years, it has identified lawyers best qualified to represent clients in various jurisdictions and specialties. Read more
The Globe and Mail The Globe and Mail Ranked nationwide in Administrative & Public Law This award is presented by The Globe and Mail and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Team

Primary Contacts
  • Guy W. Giorno, Partner | Leader, Political Law, Toronto, ON | Ottawa, ON, +1 613 696 6871, [email protected]
  • Sean L. Morley, Partner | Infrastructure and Projects, Toronto, ON, +1 416 865 4362, [email protected]
Guy Giorno Ottawa Lawyer Guy W. Giorno Partner | Leader, Political Law Toronto, ON Ottawa, ON +1 613 696 6871
+1 416 865 5164
Sean Morely Toronto Lawyer Sean L. Morley Partner | Infrastructure and Projects Toronto, ON +1 416 865 4362
All Members

Experience

  • The National Wealth Fund announces the acquisition of a 28.50% equity interest in TSXV/AIM listed Cornish Metals Inc., [Deal - National Wealth Fund], In March 2025, the National Wealth Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of the United Kingdom, completed the acquisition of 28.50% of the common shares of Cornish Metals Inc., a dual listed TSXV and AIM mineral exploration and development company owning the South Crofty underground tin mine located in...
  • Canadian Hydrogen Association plays integral role in advancing Canada’s global leadership in the hydrogen economy, [Case - Canadian Hydrogen Association], Canadian national hydrogen association driving the country’s net-zero future with clean hydrogen innovation.
Deal Advised National Wealth Fund The National Wealth Fund announces the acquisition of a 28.50% equity interest in TSXV/AIM listed Cornish Metals Inc. In March 2025, the National Wealth Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of the United Kingdom, completed the acquisition of 28.50% of the common shares of Cornish Metals Inc., a dual listed TSXV and AIM mineral exploration and development company owning the South Crofty underground tin mine located in... Read more
Case Representing Canadian Hydrogen Association Canadian Hydrogen Association plays integral role in advancing Canada’s global leadership in the hydrogen economy Canadian national hydrogen association driving the country’s net-zero future with clean hydrogen innovation. Read more

Knowledge

  • New Brunswick May Enact Canada’s Most Onerous Lobbying Disclosure Law, 5/28/2026
  • US Initiates Investigations of Canada and Other Trade Partners Over Failure to Prohibit Forced Labour Imports, 4/1/2026
  • 2026 ESG Disclosure Study, 3/3/2026
  • US Supreme Court Rejects IEEPA Tariffs: Key Takeaways for Canadian Businesses, 2/24/2026
  • Return of Parliament: Committees, Programming Motions, and Production Orders, 9/10/2025
  • Changes to Canada’s Retaliatory Tariff Regime: Key Takeaways for Importers, 9/3/2025
  • Political or Judicial: Insights from Fair Voting BC v. Canada (Attorney General), 8/26/2025
  • Practical Challenges in Litigating Against Government: Insights from Canada (Prime Minister) v. Hameed, 7/7/2025
  • Doubling Down on Steel and Aluminum Tariffs, 6/6/2025
  • Committees in a Minority Parliament: Instability, Opportunity and Reputational Risk, 6/4/2025
Two men discussing work Article | Bulletin New Brunswick May Enact Canada’s Most Onerous Lobbying Disclosure Law Proposed amendments could require disclosure of virtually all paid lobbying of New Brunswick public office holders. Read more
looking down from a distance at railroad transport cars Bulletin US Initiates Investigations of Canada and Other Trade Partners Over Failure to Prohibit Forced Labour Imports The US has launched investigations of 60 trade partners, including Canada, to assess whether their failure to prevent the import of goods produced using forced labour disadvantages US businesses. Read more
Upward shot of corporate glass buildings and an overlapping tree branch with green leaves against the sky Guide 2026 ESG Disclosure Study Fasken’s 2026 ESG Disclosure Study reveals how Canadian companies are strengthening their sustainability practices, enhancing transparency, and responding to evolving stakeholder expectations. Read more
Two men discussing work Article | Bulletin New Brunswick May Enact Canada’s Most Onerous Lobbying Disclosure Law Proposed amendments could require disclosure of virtually all paid lobbying of New Brunswick public office holders. Read more
looking down from a distance at railroad transport cars Bulletin US Initiates Investigations of Canada and Other Trade Partners Over Failure to Prohibit Forced Labour Imports The US has launched investigations of 60 trade partners, including Canada, to assess whether their failure to prevent the import of goods produced using forced labour disadvantages US businesses. Read more
Upward shot of corporate glass buildings and an overlapping tree branch with green leaves against the sky Guide 2026 ESG Disclosure Study Fasken’s 2026 ESG Disclosure Study reveals how Canadian companies are strengthening their sustainability practices, enhancing transparency, and responding to evolving stakeholder expectations. Read more
two men with map walking past shipping crates Bulletin US Supreme Court Rejects IEEPA Tariffs: Key Takeaways for Canadian Businesses The US Supreme Court has invalidated President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad tariffs. The decision is significant, but creates a period of new uncertainty. Read more
inside of House of Commons In Ottawa Bulletin Return of Parliament: Committees, Programming Motions, and Production Orders The use of programming motions within the current political dynamics of a minority Parliament may lead to sweeping production order obligations. Read more
two men with map walking past shipping crates Bulletin Changes to Canada’s Retaliatory Tariff Regime: Key Takeaways for Importers Canada has made significant changes to its retaliatory tariffs on US origin goods, most notably by eliminating the 25 per cent surtax on a wide variety of US origin goods first imposed in March 2025. Canada also introduced a number of targeted exemptions, including some that apply retroactively. However, Canadian retaliatory tariffs remain in place on US origin steel, aluminum, and motor vehicles. Read more

Events

  • Election-Proofing Your Business: What You Need to Know About B.C.'s Political Laws, 5/30/2024
  • When Parliamentarians Come Knocking: Tips, Strategies and Tactics for Dealing with Parliamentary Investigations, 10/11/2023
  • Goodbye lobbyist registry! Hello Carrefour Lobby Québec! Are you all set?, 10/4/2023
  • Energy and Decarbonization Projects: an Opportunity for Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, 9/27/2023
  • Sorienter dans le labyrinthe du nouveau code de deontologie, 6/28/2023
  • Navigating the New Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, 6/26/2023
  • New Developments in Lobbying Law, 6/5/2023
  • Building today the world of tomorrow, 5/4/2023
  • 2023 Symposium - Own tomorrow, 5/4/2023
  • Goodbye lobbyist registry! Hello Carrefour Lobby Québec! Are you all set?, 4/12/2023
Two men discussing work In-Person Seminar Election-Proofing Your Business: What You Need to Know About B.C.'s Political Laws Lobbying & Election Law - Vancouver Seminar location location Vancouver, BC Fasken Vancouver Office About the event
Canadian Government Building Webinar When Parliamentarians Come Knocking: Tips, Strategies and Tactics for Dealing with Parliamentary Investigations This webinar will provide clients and prospective clients with an overview of investigations conducted by parliamentary committees in the House of Commons and the Senate. It will provide tips, strategies, and tactics for dealing with parliamentary investigations. About the event
People gathering for business social event Hybrid Goodbye lobbyist registry! Hello Carrefour Lobby Québec! Are you all set? Fasken is pleased to invite you to its presentation on Carrefour Lobby Québec, the new platform to implement the lobbyists registry provided for in the Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Act.  This overview will help you familiarize yourself with the new features of the lobbying disclosure and cons... location location Montréal, QC Fasken Montreal About the event
Two men discussing work In-Person Seminar Election-Proofing Your Business: What You Need to Know About B.C.'s Political Laws Lobbying & Election Law - Vancouver Seminar location location Vancouver, BC Fasken Vancouver Office About the event
Canadian Government Building Webinar When Parliamentarians Come Knocking: Tips, Strategies and Tactics for Dealing with Parliamentary Investigations This webinar will provide clients and prospective clients with an overview of investigations conducted by parliamentary committees in the House of Commons and the Senate. It will provide tips, strategies, and tactics for dealing with parliamentary investigations. About the event
People gathering for business social event Hybrid Goodbye lobbyist registry! Hello Carrefour Lobby Québec! Are you all set? Fasken is pleased to invite you to its presentation on Carrefour Lobby Québec, the new platform to implement the lobbyists registry provided for in the Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Act.  This overview will help you familiarize yourself with the new features of the lobbying disclosure and cons... location location Montréal, QC Fasken Montreal About the event
Sunset Lake In-Person Seminar | Seminar Series | Hybrid Energy and Decarbonization Projects: an Opportunity for Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples Fasken is pleased to invite you to Energy and Decarbonization Projects: an Opportunity for Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples location location Montreal, QC Fasken Montréal About the event
Two men discussing work Webinar Sorienter dans le labyrinthe du nouveau code de deontologie About the event
Two men discussing work Webinar Navigating the New Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct This one-hour presentation will provide clients and prospective clients with an overview of the new Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, which will come into force on Saturday, July 1, 2023. About the event

News

  • Marcia Mills highlights growing opportunities linked to Canada’s defence commitments in the Ottawa Business Journal, 3/30/2026
  • Marcia Mills comments on the suggestion of baring U.S. companies from Canadian government contracts in The Canadian Press, 2/17/2025
  • Dana Gregoire comments on the regulations surrounding lobbying for the Investigative Journalism Foundation, 12/26/2024
  • Trusted Government Advisor Joins Fasken, 6/17/2024
  • Fasken Benchmark ESG Survey Sheds Light on Key Trends For Corporate Decision-Makers, 1/9/2023
  • Fasken Adds 22 New Partners, 12/18/2020
  • The Lobby Monitor quotes Guy Giorno in an article about the consultant rules after Carroll decision and how critics push for more answers, 5/25/2017
MediaCoverage-1 Media Coverage Marcia Mills highlights growing opportunities linked to Canada’s defence commitments in the Ottawa Business Journal “Professional services firms in Ottawa seeing uptick in activity with new federal defence policies,” by Mia Jensen, Ottawa Business Journal Read more
MediaCoverage-1 Media Coverage Marcia Mills comments on the suggestion of baring U.S. companies from Canadian government contracts in The Canadian Press “Federal government considers contract retaliation as Donald Trump promises tariffs,” by Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press Read more
MediaCoverage-1 Media Coverage Dana Gregoire comments on the regulations surrounding lobbying for the Investigative Journalism Foundation “16 lobbyists personally met with federal officials more than 100 times each this year, data shows,” by Carly Penrose, Investigative Journalism Foundation Read more
MediaCoverage-1 Media Coverage Marcia Mills highlights growing opportunities linked to Canada’s defence commitments in the Ottawa Business Journal “Professional services firms in Ottawa seeing uptick in activity with new federal defence policies,” by Mia Jensen, Ottawa Business Journal Read more
MediaCoverage-1 Media Coverage Marcia Mills comments on the suggestion of baring U.S. companies from Canadian government contracts in The Canadian Press “Federal government considers contract retaliation as Donald Trump promises tariffs,” by Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press Read more
MediaCoverage-1 Media Coverage Dana Gregoire comments on the regulations surrounding lobbying for the Investigative Journalism Foundation “16 lobbyists personally met with federal officials more than 100 times each this year, data shows,” by Carly Penrose, Investigative Journalism Foundation Read more
News - 10 New Member Trusted Government Advisor Joins Fasken Fasken is pleased to announce the arrival of Alex Steinhouse as Counsel in the Montréal office. Read more
Fasken Benchmark ESG Survey Sheds Light on Key Trends For Corporate Decision-Makers News Release Fasken Benchmark ESG Survey Sheds Light on Key Trends For Corporate Decision-Makers Fasken has released a comprehensive survey of how Canadian public companies have approached Environmental, Social and Governance issues, providing a guide for corporate decision-makers navigating an array of increasingly complex ESG challenges. Read more
Fasken Adds 22 New Partners News Release Fasken Adds 22 New Partners Congratulations and a warm welcome to the 22 associates at Fasken who have been promoted to Partner, effective January 1, 2021 Read more

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