In a recent development surrounding the Ottawa mayoral race, candidate Alex Lawson raised concerns about incumbent Mark Sutcliffe’s alleged close ties with a government relations firm. Lawson’s criticism included accusations of unregistered lobbying. However, an investigation by CBC News revealed that Lawson himself had sent emails to several city councillors without registering these communications. In January 2025, Lawson reached out to seek support for establishing a training academy for residential construction, a sector he is involved in as the owner of a home framing company.
When questioned about his failure to register with the lobbyist registry, Lawson defended his actions by stating that since he wasn’t representing a paid client, he believed registration was unnecessary. Lobbying experts consulted by CBC had mixed opinions on this matter. Stéphane Émard-Chabot, a former city councillor and legal expert, categorized Lawson’s emails as lobbying, emphasizing that he was pushing for his business interests outside the standard process.
Lawson, introducing himself as the owner of Capital Framers Inc., highlighted the industry’s labor shortages and proposed setting up a training academy on city-owned properties. He requested meetings with councillors to discuss potential partnerships for the project. Despite his lobbying activities, there was no record of these interactions in the city’s lobbyist registry, where Lawson was only registered for a different issue related to seasonal load restrictions for concrete.
CBC obtained copies of Lawson’s emails informally through councillors David Brown and David Hill, who confirmed receiving them in mid-January 2025. Hill reported the matter to lobbyist registrar and integrity commissioner Karen Shepherd.
City bylaws mandate lobbyists to report specific communications within 15 business days, requiring disclosure if representing a business interest to influence legislative decisions. Lawson contended that his emails aimed to address industry challenges and benefit the community at large, rather than serving any specific client.
Although Lawson identified as a government relations professional and used a Political Intelligence email address, he clarified that he wasn’t compensated for his lobbying activities. His brother, Emrys Graefe, co-founder of Political Intelligence, affirmed that the firm had no clients linked to the proposed training center. The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association confirmed no engagement with Lawson regarding lobbying efforts.
Legal experts analyzing the situation noted the complexity of determining whether Lawson’s actions constituted lobbying under Ottawa’s bylaws. While some experts argued that Lawson’s role as a business owner was pivotal, others emphasized the need for clarity on the intent and representation in such communications. Despite differing interpretations, concerns were raised about the potential influence of these lobbying efforts and the necessity for transparent engagement with city officials.
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