Nunavut MP Lori Idlout is under fire after it was revealed she expensed purchases from her own business to the House of Commons. Idlout, who owns Carvings Nunavut, a gallery selling Inuit-made carvings and artwork, expensed a total of $1,756 over four occasions in 2025. The expenses were listed as "gifts given as a matter of protocol".
Following questions about the expenditures, Idlout stated that the purchases were for Indigenous artwork used in her capacity as an MP. She said the expenses were submitted in error and that she has reimbursed the House of Commons. Members of Parliament are not allowed to benefit from expenses or contracts charged to the House of Commons.
The revelation comes on the heels of Idlout's recent floor-crossing from the NDP to the Liberal caucus. Her move to the Liberal party last week marked the fourth defection to the Carney Liberals in recent months, bringing them closer to holding a majority in the House of Commons. Idlout, who has been in office since 2021, stated that she joined the governing party to ensure Nunavut's concerns are addressed in government decisions.
The incident has sparked debate about ethical practices and transparency among elected officials, with opposition parties calling for greater accountability. It remains to be seen what long-term impact this will have on public trust and political ethics in Canada.
