Lobbyists turn attention to regulatory approvals and bureaucracy

Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 23, leading up to the Throne Speech and budget, there were 528 meetings between lobbyists and designated public office holders as of last week, according to the Lobbyists Registry.

The federal government will have to do more with less when the House returns and the budget is unveiled with limited stimulus funds, but that hasn't stopped the flurry of government relations activity, say lobbyists.

"What the government has said quite clearly is no new money, and no new big programs, but within the various spending envelopes, there's always room to change emphasis to move money from this priority to that priority,...