Premier Doug Ford’s governing Progressive Conservatives have enlisted high-powered lobbying firms to help sell tickets to the party’s swank $1,250-a-plate fundraising dinner next week, the Star has learned.

Billed by PC Ontario Fund chair Tony Miele as “the biggest fundraiser in our party’s history,” Wednesday’s event at the Toronto Congress Centre on Dixon Rd. could bring in more than $2 million.

But the tightened rules around political fundraising introduced by the Liberals in 2016 following a Star investigation — including a ban on corporate and union donations — have made it challenging to sell tickets.

While companies could once purchase entire tables for such dinners and then distribute them to employees, associates or clients, each ticket must now be paid for by an individual, which has put pressure on those tasked with selling.

In an email appeal to clients obtained by the Star, Chris Benedetti, a principal at Sussex Strategy Group, a prominent firm run by Conservative and Liberal lobbyists, said the company “has been asked to help with the event.”

“The event is $12,500 for a table of 10 ($1,250/person). To reserve a table please let us know and we can assist you in assembling individual registrations to then be sent in as a package,” Benedetti, who did not return messages seeking comment, said in his missive.

Sources say senior aides to Ford have been personally shaking the trees — after office hours — encouraging lobbying firms to be “team players” and sell tickets to the premier’s keynote speech.

According to one lobbyist, political parties of all stripes have been helped with fundraisings.

The use of lobbyists to help politicians raise money, when they in turn often seek help from politicians, could be perceived as troubling. According to the integrity commissioner, who regulates lobbyists at Queen’s Park, “lobbying occurs when an individual or group is paid to communicate with a public office holder in an attempt to influence” public policy.

Benedetti — an influential consultant registered to lobby for 60 different companies at Queen’s Park, including the Canadian Nuclear Association, Aecon, Enwave, and NextBridge — said he was contacted by the PC Ontario Fund last month.

“I have not spoken to anyone in the premier’s office about this event, and no one in the office or any other government office has been in touch with me to encourage sales or otherwise,” the lobbyist said.

“When fundraising events are advertised that might be of interest to our clients, Sussex has provided notice of such along with their description. We do this for a variety of events, including conference, industry consultations, and other notable occasions that are of interest to our clients and contacts,” he said.

“Our role as volunteers is simply to help ensure that the most up-to-date information gets out to individuals with a prospective interest in attending. Sussex receives no compensation or benefit from this voluntary participation.”

One veteran Tory, who has already bought a ticket, said his phone has been ringing off the hook with different consultants trying to unload tickets.

“I’ve had friends from three lobbying firms call in the last day or two trying to get me to buy more. I told them I’m maxed out,” said the insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of incurring the wrath of Ford’s office.

Another lobbyist, who asked not to be identified because his firm is also selling PC tickets, said consultants have always assisted political parties with their fundraisers regardless of who is power.

“We’ve done it for the Liberals; we do it for the Conservatives,” he said, noting consultants also volunteer their time on all of the major parties’ campaigns during elections.

“This is how it works.”

Marcus Mattinson, director of communications for the party, emphasized there is nothing untoward about lobbyists selling tickets.

“In order to achieve successful events, the … fund has always relied upon long-time party activists, supporters, and others to assist in these efforts and sell tickets,” said Mattinson.

“Dozens of individuals have been assisting the party with fundraising for decades, and this event is no exception,” he said.

Ford’s office agreed there is no quid pro quo for those lobbyists pounding the pavement to raise money for the Tories.

“Premier Doug Ford takes his cues from the people and governs for the people,” said press secretary Simon Jefferies.

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“He is the most accessible politician in the country, and will listen to any Ontarian who wants to bring forward a suggestion or offer feedback,” said Jefferies, stressing Ford does not just attend dinners for well-heeled backers.

“Doug Ford has been hosting spaghetti dinner fundraisers across Ontario at a cost of $25 per person,” he said.

“These events have been massive successes, and provide an opportunity for grassroots party supporters to help the party prepare for the next election.”

Robert Benzie is the Star’s Queen’s Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

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