Liberal MP Lori Idlout from Ottawa has been found to have breached Parliament’s conflict of interest code by the ethics commissioner, Konrad von Finckenstein. The investigation revealed that Idlout had charged purchases from her own store to the House of Commons. Despite the violation, the commissioner recommended no penalties be imposed on her.
Idlout has since reimbursed the House, attributing the error to mistakenly submitting the items. In response to the report, she expressed gratitude to the commissioner and acknowledged the findings, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the matter seriously.
In her defense, Idlout stated that she did not realize at the time that the purchases, intended for legitimate parliamentary purposes, could further her private interests since she does not derive income from the businesses involved. Finckenstein, in the report, characterized Idlout’s actions as errors of judgment made in good faith, noting her prompt repayment to the House upon realizing the errors.
The commissioner recommended refraining from imposing any sanctions, citing Idlout’s demonstrated willingness to rectify the instances of non-compliance. Idlout, who is the sole shareholder and director of Carvings Nunavut, a gallery specializing in Inuit-made artwork, had listed 13 purchases as protocol gifts since becoming an MP, with four attributed to her business.
The purchases from Carvings Nunavut, amounting to $1,756, were made in 2025. The largest expense of $1,380 comprised cards, tote bags, keychains, zipper pulls, and sculptures gifted to First Nations leaders at an NDP event. Other items purchased included a wall hanging, a lapel pin, and various gifts for political figures.
Idlout, who previously served as an NDP MP before crossing over to the Liberals in 2026, came under scrutiny following a request from Conservative MP Michael Barrett for an ethics inquiry into her conduct. Barrett criticized Idlout’s actions, labeling them as poor judgment, while Idlout expressed regret for her misjudgment and pledged to adhere closely to the commissioner’s guidance in the future.