Corporate influence is when a corporation tries to convince people of its point of view, often in a way that also benefits itself.
Large corporations and their lobbyists engage in all sorts of marketing campaigns, public relations stunts and political pressure tactics to elicit more favourable laws or regulations and protect their bottom lines.
For years the oil and gas industry has used its considerable influence to deny scientific evidence about climate change, despite funding accurate research into it, and to avoid accountability for its role in causing the crisis by funding climate disinformation.
Lobbying is a regulated activity in Canada where people get paid to communicate with public officials like cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior public servants and political staff of opposition leaders.
In theory, it’s a useful way for governments to hear private sector concerns. In practice, wealthy corporations and industry groups can use it to influence perceptions of an issue in the public service or around the Cabinet table, which can crowd out other perspectives.
Federal disclosure records identify the lobbying corporation and some names and dates, but are missing other key details on the specific subject matter and the lobbyists who participated.
Beyond the official act of lobbying, company executives can write letters or schedule meetings with ministers or top bureaucrats to get their point across. Oil and gas companies sometimes lobby governments to weaken climate rules through comments to public servants.
Fossil fuel companies may also try to deliver a pro-oil and gas message to Canadian diplomats.
Governments bring in private sector representatives to hear feedback on policy proposals. The oil and gas industry has used these opportunities to lobby to delay climate policies or help write their early drafts.
Sometimes companies may ghostwrite briefing notes or policy for public servants.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a fossil fuel lobby group was able to schedule dozens of meetings with officials in the Alberta and federal governments.
The industry is always looking for an edge. This may involve techniques like trying to bump into politicians outside work environments, for example at grocery stores, to try and strike up influential conversations.
Oil and gas companies also try to normalize their brands with the public through arts and culture sponsorships that keep their contribution to climate change off the billboards.
A typical approach is to try to influence media coverage by trying to shape stories or plant stories that advance a company’s interests, or derail ones that don’t. The fossil fuel industry also uses social media advertising to its advantage.
Corporations try to influence the public through their sheer size and influence, defending the status quo of massive financial support flowing to the fossil fuel industry by promoting various climate initiatives.
Canada’s oil and gas industry continues to advocate for more public funding and tax breaks despite already being supported by favourable tax terms.
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