Harper's ex-adviser now bank lobbyist

[tuvor]

CanWest NewsService
Published: Tuesday, May 16, 2006

OTTAWA -- A former Conservative campaign adviser who helped guide Stephen Harper to victory in the last election has registered to lobby the government on behalf of a major chartered bank.

Michael Coates, president of public relations firm Hill and Knowlton Canada, last month registered as a lobbyist for the Bank of Nova Scotia.

His registration comes at a time when the government he helped elect is weighing major policy issues affecting the banking industry -- including a request to sell insurance from bank branches.

During the campaign, Coates served as a volunteer adviser who negotiated the format of the televised leaders' debates with the networks and helped prepare Harper for debates. He performed a similar role in the 2004 campaign.

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