Federal lobbying commissioner assessing allegations against firm, top Conservative adviser

The federal lobbying commissioner confirmed Tuesday that a «preliminary assessment» has been opened into allegations against top Conservative strategist Jenni Byrne and a federal lobbying firm.

In March, the Globe and Mail reported the federal lobbying firm — called Forecheck Strategies — is located at the same office as Jenni Byrne + Associates, a provincial lobbying firm.

In addition to employing many of the same staff as Jenni Byrne + Associates, Forecheck Strategies is owned by Andrew Kimber and Simon Jefferies, who are also part-owners of Jenni Byrne + Associates.

Although Byrne's exact role with the Conservative Party is murky — neither she nor the party will confirm how she is involved — she is viewed as one of the most powerful Conservative strategists in Canada.

During a House ethics committee meeting on Tuesday, Liberal MP Darren Fisher asked lobbying commissioner Nancy Bélanger whether it raises suspicions «when people are so ultra-fluid in their registrations.»

In response, Bélanger said, «The reality is that I don't know because I'm in the process of doing my work.»

She then added that «the preliminary assessment has been opened» and she looks at every allegation she receives.

According to the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying's website, all allegations are taken seriously. A preliminary assessment is conducted to see if the matter falls within the commissioner's mandate and jurisdiction — and whether an investigation is necessary.

In a statement to CBC, Kimber said that Forecheck Strategies has not been contacted by the lobbying commissioner «but will fully cooperate with any questions she may have in the future.»

«All our lobbying activity is fully registered and compliant with the Lobbying Act,» Kimber