Public office holders, Members of the House of Commons and their family members may be offered, by a variety of donors and in a range of situations, gifts that may include:
money
consumer goods such as books, flowers, artwork, furniture or wine
property such as vehicles, offices, houses or cottages
the use of property or facilities at a reduced rate or no cost
membership in a club or other organization at a reduced rate or no cost
services, such as dry cleaning or a haircut, at a reduced rate or no cost
donations to a charity made in the public office holder’s or Member’s name or in the name of a family member
meals paid for by another individual or organization
invitations or tickets to attend an event, such as a sports match, gala, concert, play or fundraiser, at a reduced rate or no cost.
Public office holders and Members must consider the rules in the
Conflict of Interest Act and the
Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons before they or their family members accept any gifts.
Both regimes prohibit them and their family members from accepting any gift that might reasonably be seen to have been given to influence the public office holders and Members, with certain exceptions. They also set out disclosure and public declaration requirements for accepted gifts.
Gift Rules for Public Office Holders
Gift Rules for Members of the House of Commons
