The Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons does not restrict your outside activities (activities that are not part of your official duties), as long as you are able to fulfill your obligations under the Code.
However, under the Conflict of Interest Act, you are not allowed to:
- Have another job or practise a profession
- Manage or operate a business or commercial activity
- Continue as, or become, a director or officer in a corporation or organization
- Hold office in a union or professional association
- Serve as a paid consultant
- Be an active partner in a partnership
Volunteer activities are usually allowed as long as they do not put you in a conflict of interest.
The Act does not restrict your political activities.
Your advisor in the Commissioner’s Office can answer any questions you may have about outside activities. Please call 613-995-0721 or send us an email.
There are some exceptions to the Conflict of Interest Act’s prohibition on outside activities, if the Commissioner is of the opinion that the activities are not incompatible with your duties as a public office holder:
- You can work or practise your profession to maintain any necessary licences or qualifications, as long as you don't get paid, to avoid losing job opportunities or the ability to practise your profession after you leave public office
- If you are a director or officer in a Crown corporation as defined in section 83 of the Financial Administration Act, you may continue as, or become, a director or officer in a financial or commercial corporation
- You may continue as, or become, a director or officer in an organization of a philanthropic, charitable or non-commercial character
If you think one of these exceptions should apply to you, you must get the Commissioner’s approval.
Under the Conflict of Interest Act, you can own a business and receive income from it, but you must not be involved in managing or operating it.
You must tell the Commissioner’s Office about your financial stake in the business and about any income you earn from it.
As required under the Code, your sources of income (but not the amount) will be posted in the public registry if $10,000 or more over a 12-month period.