Liberal MP Lori Idlout has been found by Ottawa’s ethics commissioner to have breached Parliament’s conflict of interest code. However, the commissioner recommended no penalties be imposed on her. The investigation conducted by Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein focused on Idlout’s purchases from her own shop, which were charged to the House of Commons. Idlout later reimbursed the House, attributing the submission of the items as an error.
Idlout expressed gratitude to the commissioner for the report in a statement to CBC News, acknowledging the findings and emphasizing her serious approach to the matter. She explained that at the time of the purchases, she did not perceive them as advancing private interests since she does not derive any income from the businesses involved.
According to the report, Finckenstein viewed Idlout’s actions as errors of judgment made in good faith. He noted that Idlout promptly repaid the House upon discovering the errors, demonstrating a genuine intent to rectify each instance of non-compliance. As a result, Finckenstein recommended no sanctions be imposed.
Idlout, who is the sole shareholder and director of Carvings Nunavut, a gallery specializing in Inuit-made sculptures and artwork, claimed 13 purchases as “gifts given as a matter of protocol” since assuming office. The commissioner found that Idlout’s actions violated the code of ethics, which prohibits MPs from furthering their private interests.
The purchases from Carvings Nunavut totaled $1,756, with the largest expenditure being $1,380 for various items gifted to First Nations leaders, elders, and speakers at the NDP’s national caucus meeting in September 2025. Other purchases included a wall hanging, a lapel pin for a fellow MP, and items for a government minister.
These expenses were incurred during Idlout’s tenure as an NDP MP before she switched allegiance to the Liberal party in March 2026. The controversy prompted Conservative MP Michael Barrett to request an inquiry into Idlout’s conduct under the conflict of interest code.
Idlout, in response to the situation, expressed regret for her lapse in judgment and stated her commitment to learning from the experience and closely following the commissioner’s guidance in the future.