Ottawa’s ethics commissioner has determined that Liberal MP Lori Idlout breached Parliament’s conflict of interest code by purchasing items from her own store and charging them to the House of Commons. Despite this finding, the commissioner recommended no penalties be imposed on Idlout.
Idlout, who is the sole shareholder and director of Carvings Nunavut, a gallery specializing in Inuit-made sculptures and artwork, reimbursed the House for the purchases, attributing the error to a submission mistake. In response to the commissioner’s report, Idlout expressed gratitude and stated that she takes the matter seriously.
The investigation revealed that Idlout had claimed 13 purchases as “gifts given as a matter of protocol” since becoming an MP, with four of them traced back to Carvings Nunavut. The total amount spent on these purchases from the gallery was $1,756, all made in 2025.
The largest transaction, totaling $1,380, consisted of various items like cards, tote bags, keychains, and sculptures, which were presented as gifts to First Nations leaders and elders at an NDP national caucus meeting in British Columbia. Other purchases included a wall hanging for $150, a lapel pin for $150 gifted to a fellow Liberal MP, and a $76 package containing a magnet, soap, and cup, given to the Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister.
Despite the breach of the ethics code, the commissioner viewed Idlout’s actions as errors of judgment made in good faith. He noted that Idlout promptly repaid the House upon realizing the errors, demonstrating a sincere intention to rectify the situation. As a result, the commissioner recommended against imposing any sanctions on Idlout.
Following the investigative findings, Conservative MP Michael Barrett called for an inquiry into Idlout’s conduct, criticizing her actions as a display of poor judgment. In response, Idlout expressed regret for her lapse in judgment and pledged to learn from the experience, emphasizing her commitment to following the commissioner’s guidance moving forward.