Lobbying Requirements for BC’s Non-Profits
Join a free live webinar with Law For Non-Profits founder & Legal Director Martha Rans K.C. on May 27 12-1:15pm PDT.
Non-profits interact with government in many ways—by email, in meetings, and at events. Understanding when those activities may legally be considered lobbying is essential to staying compliant with BC’s Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA).
This webinar provides an overview of current lobbying requirements for BC non-profits and highlights key compliance considerations. It will also summarize recommendations from the Province’s Special Committee to Review the BC Lobbyists Transparency Act, which completed its review and released its report in April 2026. Participants will learn what the recommendations could mean for the non-profit sector and how non-profits can support next steps.
Topics include:
- What activities constitute lobbying?
- What is a public office holder?
- Consultant vs. in-house lobbyists
- When an organization may be exempt from registration
- What information is required to register and report
- Key highlights from the Special Committee’s recommendations and what to anticipate next
Format: 45-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
This webinar will be recorded and distributed to registrants following the session. The Q&A will not be part of the recording. Participants are welcome to join with or without video.
About Martha Rans, K.C.
Martha Rans has been a lawyer for over 20 years. Her Vancouver-based law practice specializes in the legal needs of non-profits, charities and digital creatives. She spent 10 years as labour employment and human rights lawyer/mediator with the BC and Ontario governments. She has appeared before administrative tribunals, provincial and BC Supreme Court. She advises on charity law, incorporation, governance, privacy, employment, labour, health & safety and human rights. Her advice is practical and strategic, tailored to the needs of her clients.
Martha is an advocate for public legal education and information. She is the founder of lawfornonprofits.ca, a resource dedicated to the non-profit sector. She provides advice, information and education to thousands of BC's creators and non profits. She is also a copyright educator and teaches the next generation of artists and designers at post-secondary schools across Canada. She founded and oversaw the Artists Legal Outreach providing free legal advice to over 3000 artists.