Investigation report summaries

EXAMINATION REPORTS UNDER THE ACT
Report and release date	Subject of examination	Allegation	Relevant provisions of Act * Contraventions were found of provisions marked by an asterisk
Verschuren Report July 24, 2024	Annette Verschuren, Chairperson, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)	Participating in certain SDTC funding decisions that furthered her private interests, and others that improperly furthered the private interests of the funding recipients.	* Subsection (6(1), Decision-making * Section 21, Recusal  Section 9, Influence
Ouimet Report July 24, 2024	Guy Ouimet, Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)	Participating in SDTC funding decisions that furthered his private interests.	Subsection (6(1), Decision-making Section 21, Recusal
Fergus Report February 14, 2023	Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary	Writing a letter of support to an administrative tribunal on behalf of a stakeholder.	* Section 9, Influence
Report on alleged wrongdoing by the head of a federal organization January 24, 2023	Unnamed reporting public office holder	Interacting in an official capacity with a prior employer.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Section 4, Conflict of interest Section 5, General duty Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 15, Prohibited activities
Ng Report December 13, 2022	Mary Ng, Minister	Awarding contracts to a company belonging to a friend.	* Subsection 6(1), Decision-making * Section 21, Recusal
Report on alleged wrongdoing by a public office holder December 1, 2022	Unnamed executive, federal agency	Using government resources to further the private interests of a company.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Section 5, General duty Section 9, Influence
Scott Report August 24, 2022	Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission	Voting on a matter before an administrative tribunal in order to further private interests of a friend; appearance of a conflict of interest.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Subsection 6(1), Decision-making
Morneau II Report May 13, 2021	Bill Morneau, Minister	Failing to recuse himself from discussions and decisions involving a company whose co-founder was a friend; affording preferential treatment to a constituent by way of unfettered access to his ministerial staff.	* Subsection 6(1), Decision-making * Section 7, Preferential treatment * Section 21, Recusal
Trudeau III Report May 13, 2021	Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister	Failing to recuse himself from decisions involving a company employing several of his relatives; appearance of a conflict of interest.	Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 7, Preferential treatment Section 21, Recusal
Report on alleged wrongdoing by a Deputy Minister September 30, 2020	Unnamed Deputy Minister	Seeking to influence a hiring decision.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
Report on alleged wrongdoing by a tribunal member July 9, 2020	Unnamed administrative tribunal member	Seeking to influence an internal selection process for training.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
Qualtrough Report April 22, 2020	Carla Qualtrough, Minister	Appointing a partisan supporter.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
Miller Report April 22, 2020	Moreen Miller, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Defence Construction Canada	Failing to disclose prior employment for a stakeholder of Defence Construction Canada.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
Wernick Report March 10, 2020	Michael Wernick, former Clerk of Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet	Seeking to influence the decision of the Attorney General of Canada on whether to intervene in a criminal matter.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Section 9, Influence
Trudeau II Report August 14, 2019	Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister	Seeking to influence the decision of the Attorney General of Canada on whether to intervene in a criminal matter.	* Section 9, Influence
Smolik Report May 30, 2019	Jim Smolik, former Assistant Chief Commissioner and Acting Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission	Taking improper advantage of relationships, knowledge and expertise acquired while in public office to assist a new employer; making representations to the Canadian Grain Commission during the cooling-off period.	* Section 33, Prohibitions after leaving office * Subsection 35(2), Prohibition on representations
Kristmanson Report December 12, 2018	Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission	Accepting gifts and other advantages from stakeholders who had ongoing and foreseeable official business with the National Capital Commission when the gifts were accepted.	* Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages
LeBlanc Report September 12, 2018	Dominic LeBlanc, Minister	Making a decision to pursue issuing a fishing licence to a company connected to a relative.	* Subsection 6(1), Decision-making * Section 21, Recusal
Chapman Report June 22, 2018	Marie Chapman, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21	Furthering the private interests of a friend by appointing them to a senior position.	Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 21, Recusal
Morneau Report June 18, 2018	Bill Morneau, Minister	Introducing a bill that could further his private interests; definition of private interests.	Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 21, Recusal
Carson Report June 7, 2018	Bruce Carson, former Senior Advisor to Prime Minister	Taking improper advantage of one’s previous public office to influence a decision in order to further the private interests of a significant other.	Section 33, Prohibitions after leaving office
The Trudeau Report, under the Act and the Code December 20, 2017	Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister	Failing to arrange one’s private affairs to avoid being in a conflict of interest; accepting gifts and other advantages from a stakeholder; accepting travel on a private aircraft.	Under the Act: * Section 5, General duty * Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages * Section 12, Travel * Section 21, Recusal
The Wright Report May 25, 2017	Nigel Wright, Chief of Staff	Seeking to influence and improperly further the private interests of a Member of the Senate by personally reimbursing the Senator for improperly claimed living expenses.	* Subsection 6(1), Decision-making * Section 9, Influence
The Toews Report April 21, 2017	Vic Toews, former Minister	Providing contracted services to an organization with whom he had direct and significant dealings during his last year in office; providing strategic advice to an organization on a matter that was before the Crown.	* Subsection 34(1), Previously acting for Crown * Subsection 35(1), Prohibition on contracting
The Philpott Report December 21, 2016	Jane Philpott, Minister	Giving preferential treatment to a company based on the identity of its owner, a partisan supporter of the Minister.	Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 7, Preferential treatment
The Bennett Report November 17, 2016	Ian Bennett, President and CEO, Royal Canadian Mint	Accepting a gift or other advantage from a stakeholder while contract negotiations between the government and the stakeholder were taking place.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner * Section 11, Gifts and other advantages
The Vennard Report September 13, 2016	Linda Vennard, Commissioner for Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission	Accepting gifts or other advantages from a stakeholder of an administrative tribunal.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner * Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages
The Gill Report February 24, 2016	Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary	Writing letters of support for constituents to an administrative tribunal.	* Section 9, Influence
The Kosick Report September 15, 2015	Daniel Kosick, former Policy Advisor to a Minister	Accepting an offer of employment with a company with whom the former ministerial staff member had direct and significant dealings during their last year in public office.	* Subsection 35(1), Prohibition on contracting
The Finley Report March 10, 2015	Diane Finley, Minister	Awarding a contract, based on partisan considerations, to an organization within the riding of a fellow party member.	* Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 7, Preferential treatment
The Bonner Report February 26, 2015	Michael Bonner, Senior Policy Advisor to a Minister	Accepting gifts or other advantages from government stakeholders who were registered to lobby his government department.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner * Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages
December 2014 Report December 4, 2014	Unnamed MP, Minister and Deputy Minister	Political intervention in the removal of a monetary penalty imposed on a corporation whose director was a constituent of the Member of the House of Commons in question.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
The Glover Report November 20, 2014	Shelley Glover, Minister	Personally soliciting funds in the context of a political fundraiser.	Section 16, Fundraising
The Lynn Report June 26, 2014	John Lynn, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation	Working as a paid consultant while in public office.	Paragraph 15(1)(b), Prohibited activities (business or commercial activity)* Paragraph 15(1)(e), Prohibited activities (paid consultant)
The Paradis Report, under the Act and the Code December 3, 2013	Christian Paradis, Minister	Making representations to a Cabinet colleague to move a government service within the Minister’s riding, which would further the private interests of a constituent described as a friend.	Under the Act: Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 9, Influence Subsection 64(1), Activities on behalf of constituents
The Paradis Report August 7, 2013	Christian Paradis, Minister	Accepting a gift or other advantage from an individual who was alleged to have been lobbying the government.	Section 5, General duty Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages
The Fonberg Report April 30, 2013	Robert Fonberg, Senior Associate Secretary, Treasury Board	Giving preferential treatment to an organization based on the identity of the organization’s President, a former colleague and friend; furthering the private interests of a friend.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 7, Preferential treatment Section 21, Recusal
The Hill Report March 26, 2013	Jay Hill, former Minister	Taking improper advantage of a former public office to assist a spouse with work at a public relations firm.	* Section 33, Prohibitions after leaving office Subsection 35(3), Prohibition on former ministers Section 37, Report to Commissioner
The Sullivan Report October 17, 2012	Loyola Sullivan, former Canadian Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation	Making representations to former departments during the cooling-off period.	* Subsection 35(2), Prohibition on representations Subsection 41(1), Order: official dealings
The Clement Report July 18, 2012	Tony Clement, Minister	Using one’s ministerial title to promote a constituent’s private business.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 7, Preferential treatment Section 9, Influence
The Heinke and Charbonneau Report May 18, 2012	Patrick Heinke and Daniel Charbonneau, Members, Canada Industrial Relations Board	Participating in the making of a decision that furthered the private interests of a former employer.	Section 68, Referral from Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Section 5, General duty Subsection 6(1), Decision-making
The Raitt Report April 26, 2012	Lisa Raitt, Minister	Accepting a gift or other advantage from an air carrier whose employees were in labour negotiations with the government.	Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages
The Paradis Report March 22, 2012	Christian Paradis, Minister	Giving preferential treatment to a former colleague’s business by directing staff to set up a meeting with public servants.	* Subsection 6(1), Decision-making * Section 7, Preferential treatment Section 9, Influence
The Dykstra Report, under the Act and the Code September 7, 2010	Rick Dykstra, Parliamentary Secretary	Using public office for partisan fundraising; accepting a gift or other advantage from registered lobbyists.	Under the Act: Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages Section 16, Fundraising
The Raitt Report May 13, 2010	Lisa Raitt, Minister	Accepting a gift or other advantage from a registered lobbyist; personally soliciting funds; request made in bad faith.	Under the Act: Subsection 11(1), Gifts and other advantages Section 16, Fundraising Section 18, Anti-avoidance
The Cheques Report under the Act and under the Code April 29, 2010	Various Members of the House of Commons, ministers and parliamentary secretaries	Using partisan or personal identifiers in the promotion of government funding initiatives.	Under the Act: Section 5, General duty Section 7, Preferential treatment Section 8, Insider information Section 9, Influence
Discontinuance Report relating to an examination of allegations of partisan advertising of government initiatives January 13, 2010	Prime Minister, various ministers and parliamentary secretaries	Using public office and partisan advertising in the promotion of government funding initiatives.	Section 5, General duty Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 7, Preferential treatment Section 9, Influence
The Watson Report June 25, 2009	Colin Watson, Member, Toronto Port Authority Board of Directors	Voting on a matter that furthered the private interests of a friend’s company; definition of friendship.	Subsection 6(1), Decision-making Section 21, Recusal
The Flaherty Report December 18, 2008	James Flaherty, Minister	Furthering the private interests of an acquaintance by bypassing government rules relating to contracts and awarding untendered contracts to the acquaintance’s business.	Under the 2006 Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders Subsection 3(7), Not use their position Subsection 22(3), Preferential treatment Subsection 22(4), Influence Subsection 22(8), Prohibited activities (1) to (7)
The Flaherty Report July 16, 2008	James Flaherty, Minister	Introducing a measure in the federal budget that would further his private interests.	Under the 2006 Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders Subsection 3(4), Private interest
The Soudas Examination June 4, 2008	Dimitri Soudas, Deputy Press Secretary and Senior Advisor	Attempting to influence government officials to settle a dispute out of court, which would further the private interests of the company involved.	Under the 2006 Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders Subsection 3(7), Not use their position Subsection 22(3), Preferential treatment Subsection 22(4), Influence Subsection 22(8), Prohibited activities (1) to (7)
* Contraventions were found of provisions marked by an asterisk
INQUIRY REPORTS UNDER THE CODE

Report and release date	Subject of examination	Allegation	Relevant provisions of Code * Contraventions were found of provisions marked by an asterisk
Ratansi Report June 15, 2021	Yasmin Ratansi, Member of the House of Commons	Furthering the private interests of another person, publicly said to be the Member’s sister, by employing them in their constituency office.	Section 3.1, Interpretation: purposes and principles * Section 8, Furthering private interests Subsection 28(5), Mitigated contravention
Maloney Report November 19, 2020	James Maloney, Member of the House of Commons	Making an incomplete disclosure during the initial compliance process.	* Subsection 20(1), Disclosure statement Sanction recommended
Peschisolido Report February 5, 2020	Joe Peschisolido, Member of the House of Commons	Failing to meet reporting requirements.	* Subsection 20(1), Disclosure statement * Subsection 21(3), Statement: material change
Vandenbeld Report July 10, 2019	Anita Vandenbeld, Member of the House of Commons	Furthering the private interests of one’s spouse, a candidate in a municipal election, by using one’s position and public office to assist in the campaign.	Section 9, Using influence * Section 11, Attempts
Kusie Report December 4, 2018	Stephanie Kusie, Member of the House of Commons	Commenting publicly on a request for an inquiry.	* Subsection 27(2.1), No public comment Subsection 28(5), Mitigated contravention
Angus Report I June 14, 2018	Charlie Angus, Member of the House of Commons	Commenting publicly on a request for an inquiry.	* Subsection 27(2.1), No public comment
Angus Report II June 14, 2018	Charlie Angus, Member of the House of Commons	Commenting publicly on a request for an inquiry.	* Subsection 27(2.1), No public comment
The Trudeau Report, under the Act and the Code December 20, 2017	Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister	Accepting gifts or other benefits from a government stakeholder.	Under the Code: Section 14, Prohibition: Gifts and other benefits
The Paradis Report, under the Act and the Code December 3, 2013	Christian Paradis, Minister	Making representations to a member of Cabinet to move a government service within the riding of the Member, which would further the private interests of a constituent described as a friend.	Under the Code: Section 8, Furthering private interests Section 9, Using influence Section 5, engaging in activity on behalf of constituent Paragraph 2(a), serving constituents to the best of the Member's ability
The Guergis Report July 14, 2011	Helena Guergis, Member of the House of Commons	Using one’s public office to further the private interests of their spouse’s company.	Under the Code: Section 8, Furthering private interests and section 9, Using influence
The Dykstra Report, under the Act and the Code September 7, 2010	Rick Dykstra, Parliamentary Secretary	Accepting gifts or other benefits from individuals with whom the public office holder had official dealings.	Under the Code: Section 8, Furthering private interests Section 14, Prohibition: gifts and other benefits
The Raitt Report May 13, 2010	Lisa Raitt, Minister	Accepting a gift or other benefit from a lobbyist; request made in bad faith.	Under the Code: Section 14, Prohibition: gifts and other benefits Section 25, Evasion Subsection 27(6) Non-meritorious requests
The Cheques Report April 29, 2010	Members of the House of Commons	Using partisan or personal identifiers in the promotion of government funding programs.	Under the Code: Paragraph 2(b), Principles Paragraph 2(c), Principles Section 8, Furthering private interest
Response to the motion adopted by the House of Commons on June 5, 2008 for further consideration of The Thibault Inquiry Report June 17, 2008	Members of the House of Commons	Removal of liabilities arising from a legal action to which a Member is a party where the legal action relates to their actions as a Member from the scope of private interests.	Earlier findings of contraventions reversed in light of newly amended subsection 3(3), Definitions
The Thibault Inquiry May 7, 2008	Robert Thibault, Member of the House of Commons	Whether and when a lawsuit constitutes a liability and consequently a “private interest" for the purpose of the Code.	* Section 8, Furthering private interests * Section 12, Disclosure of a private interest: House and committee * Section 13, Debate and voting Subsection 28(5), Mitigated contravention
* Contraventions were found of provisions marked by an asterisk

The following inquiry reports under the Code, which was adopted by the House of Commons in April 2004, were issued by the Office of the Ethics Commissioner, a predecessor of the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner:

Report and release date	Subject of examination	Allegation	Relevant provisions of Code * Contraventions were found of provisions marked by an asterisk
The Obhrai Inquiry March 2007	Deepak Obhrai, Member of the House of Commons	Accepting gifts or other benefits in exchange for helping constituents with immigration matters; receiving renumeration for assisting a family member to immigrate.	Section 8, Furthering private interests Section 9, Using influence Section 14, Prohibition: gifts and other benefits Subsection 27(7), Requirement to conduct inquiries in private Subsection 27(4), Requirement to give reasonable written notice of a decision to initiate an inquiry
The Vellacott Inquiry June 2006	Maurice Vellacott, Member of the House of Commons	Failing to disclose travel costs paid by a third party.	* Subsection 15(1), Sponsored travel
The Gallant Inquiry June 2006	Cheryl Gallant, Member of the House of Commons	Using insider information to further the Member’s private interests; definition of private interests.	Subsection 3(2), Definitions Section 8, Furthering private interests Subsection 10(1), Insider information
The Harper-Emerson Inquiry March 2006	Stephen Harper, Prime Minister David Emerson, Member of the House of Commons	Initiating an inquiry during the dissolution of Parliament; public office holder furthering the private interests of a Member of the Opposition by offering them a Cabinet position; Member furthering their own private interests by “crossing the floor” to accept a Cabinet position.	Section 8, Furthering private interests Section 9, Using influence Subsection 10(1), Insider information
The Grewal-Dosanjh Inquiry January 2006	Gurmant Grewal, Member of the House of Commons Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister	Voting on a matter to further one’s own private interests; attempting to entrap another Member into improper conduct.	Section 8, Furthering private interests Section 11, Attempts
The Smith Inquiry December 2005	David Smith, Member of the House of Commons	Failing to disclose a private interest.	Section 18, Partnerships and private corporations Section 19, Pre-existing contracts
The Grewal Inquiry June 2005	Gurmant Grewal, Member of the House of Commons	Profiting from individuals seeking the Member’s support on immigration matters; error in judgment made in good faith.	*Apparent conflict of interest Subsection 28(5), Mitigated contravention

* Contraventions were found of provisions marked by an asterisk

Investigation report summaries

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​EXAMI​NATION REPORTS UNDER T​​HE ACT​​

INQUIRY REPORTS UNDER T​​HE CODE​​​​​

​The following inquiry reports under the Code, which was adopted by the House of Commons in April 2004, were is​sued by the Office of the Ethics Commissioner, a predecessor of the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner:

EXAMINATION REPORTS UNDER THE ACT

INQUIRY REPORTS UNDER THE CODE

The following inquiry reports under the Code, which was adopted by the House of Commons in April 2004, were issued by the Office of the Ethics Commissioner, a predecessor of the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner: