Definition of lobbying:
- To conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation (Merriam-Webster online dictionary)
- Any attempt by individuals or private interest groups to influence the decisions of government; in its original meaning it referred to efforts to influence the votes of legislators, generally in the lobby outside the legislative chamber. Lobbying in some form is inevitable in any political system. (Britannica online)
In Canada and the United States registered lobbying is a regulated activity at the federal level governed by legislation. There are also many other interest groups that communicate their views to government in an unofficial manner.