The Commissioner does not have the power to impose penalties if he finds in an investigation that someone has contravened the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons or the Conflict of Interest Act.
However, reports on investigations (called inquiries under the Code and examinations under the Act) are made public. They shed light on elected and appointed officials’ conduct, and can also educate other federal officials to help prevent future rule breaking.
In the case of an examination report under the Act, the Prime Minister decides whether to take any further action as a result of the report’s findings.
The only penalties in the Act are administrative monetary penalties, but these do not apply in examinations. They are for reporting public office holders who fail to meet certain reporting deadlines in the Act.
When the Commissioner finds in an inquiry that a Member of the House of Commons has contravened the Code, he may recommend appropriate sanctions. It is up to the House of Commons to impose any sanctions.
There are no penalties in the Code.