The Commissioner can start an investigation (called an examination) under the Conflict of Interest Act in one of two ways:
- When asked to investigate by a Senator or a Member of the House of Commons. They must provide reasonable grounds to believe that someone has contravened the Act.
- On his own initiative if he has reason to believe, based on information from members of the public or other sources, that someone has contravened the Act.
When the Commissioner finishes an examination, he provides a report to the Prime Minister. That report is also made public.
If he stops an examination that he started at the request of a Senator or Member, he must write a report (called a discontinuance report) explaining why. If he stops an examination that he started on his own, he doesn't have to write a report.
Referrals from the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
The Public Sector Integrity Commissioner may refer matters to the Commissioner under subsection 24(2.1) of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.
Under section 68 of the Conflict of Interest Act, the Commissioner must issue a public report on each referral, whether he does an investigation or not.