Tory MP Shelly Glover under fire for ethics investigation

Canadian Heritage Minister Shelly Glover was under fire during question period in Parliament on Monday, when the NDP ethics critic demanded to know what sanctions she would face over a donation issue earlier this year.

The federal ethics commissioner is investigating the St. Boniface MP for a fundraiser in which she asked members of Winnipeg’s arts community for a $50 donation to attend.

The invitation for the fundraiser read, "Invitees are primarily members of the cultural community in Winnipeg. Shelly is interested in meeting with you and hearing your views."

Under federal conflict of interest rules, cabinet ministers are not allowed to solicit donations from anyone who has asked for money or who may ask for money from her department.

Glover promptly cancelled the controversial donations, but the matter is still be investigated under the conflict of interest legislation.

On Monday, NDP ethics critic Charlie Angus brought up the controversy during question period, accusing the Conservatives of providing a “get-out-of-jail-free card” to any of their ministers who may need it.

“The latest to make use of it is the heritage minister,” said Angus, an Ontario MP for Timmins-James Bay. “Hasn't anyone told her that you can't charge admission to the very groups that are coming to you for grants? What sanctions will this minister face?"

Glover shifted the blame for the event, saying she wasn’t in on the planning of the fundraiser and “very swiftly took actions to address this situation.”

She added, “I proactively reported it to the conflict of interest and ethics commissioner. While she is doing her examination, I’m happy to help her with her work.”

The latest controversy isn’t the first time Glover has landed in hot water.

She was also investigated for overspending during the 2011 election and was found to have overspent on her campaign. She has promised to underspend if she runs again.