Ottawa, Ontario, September 2, 2026
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein today reported on an investigation under the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons.
He found that Ms. Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, contravened section 8 of the Code. It prohibits Members, when performing parliamentary duties and functions, from acting in any way to further their private interests or those of a member of their family, or to improperly further another person’s or entity’s private interests.
Ms. Idlout claimed reimbursement from her Member’s Office Budget for purchases she made, while performing parliamentary duties and functions, at a business she owns and at a business owned by her spouse. These actions furthered her private interests and those of a family member, by increasing or preserving the value of her assets or her spouse’s assets.
When the Commissioner finds a Member has contravened the Code, he must consider if there are any mitigating factors and whether to recommend a sanction. The Commissioner did not recommend a sanction for Ms. Idlout.
Quote from Commissioner von Finckenstein
“When I find a Member has contravened the Code, I must consider whether there are any mitigating factors.”
“I believe Ms. Idlout’s actions were errors of judgement made in good faith. She did not realize that making purchases from two businesses would further her or her spouse’s private interests. She also repaid the House of Commons as soon as the errors were brought to her attention. In my view, this shows a true desire to fully remedy each instance of non-compliance. I therefore recommended that no sanction be imposed.”
Additional facts
- Under section 28 of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Commissioner reports on inquiries to the Speaker of the House of Commons. Once the Speaker has received an inquiry report, the Commissioner makes it public. The Speaker tables the report in the House the next time it sits.
- Summary of rules for Members of the House of Commons
- General information about investigations under the Code
For more information, please call 613-995-0721 or send an email.