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 the violation, 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, repaid the House for the purchases she mistakenly submitted. The commissioner’s investigation revealed that Idlout had claimed 13 purchases as “gifts given as a matter of protocol,” with four of them traced back to her own business.
The total amount spent on purchases from Carvings Nunavut was $1,756, all made in 2025. The largest transaction, amounting to $1,380, included cards, tote bags, keychains, zipper pulls, and sculptures gifted to First Nations leaders and elders at an NDP national caucus meeting. Other purchases included a wall hanging, lapel pin, and assorted gifts for officials.
The ethics commissioner concluded that Idlout’s actions were errors of judgment made in good faith, as she had promptly repaid the House upon realizing the errors. Despite the breach, the commissioner recommended no sanctions be imposed on Idlout. The investigation was triggered by a request from Conservative MP Michael Barrett, who criticized Idlout for her actions.
In response to the findings, Idlout expressed regret for her lapse in judgment and stated her commitment to following the commissioner’s guidance in the future.