Canada: Canadian Parliament Orders Testimony in Ethics Probe Involving PM Mark Carney and Brookfield - October 28, 2025

On October 28, 2025, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) voted to compel key figures—including Prime Minister Mark Carney's chief of staff, the Privy Council Clerk, and senior executives from Brookfield Asset Management—to testify as part of an ongoing investigation into potential conflicts of interest under the federal Conflict of Interest Act. This move, initiated by Conservative MP Michael Barrett, stems from scrutiny over Carney's extensive private sector holdings, particularly his $6.8 million USD in unexercised stock options from Brookfield, where he previously served as vice-chair before entering politics.

Key Details of the Motion
Individuals Ordered to Testify:
Marc-André Blanchard (PM Carney's chief of staff).
Michael Sabia (current Privy Council Clerk and former Brookfield executive).
Senior Brookfield officials (unspecified, but representatives from the firm).

Requirements:
Each must appear separately for at least two hours of questioning before November 21, 2025.

Committee Mandate:
The ETHI committee will study whether current conflict-of-interest rules— including the use of blind trusts and investments in tax havens—need strengthening, especially for high-profile office holders like the Prime Minister. It must report findings back to the House by November 21.

Context:
Carney has placed his assets in a blind trust managed by an independent third party and implemented an "ethics screen" for decisions involving Brookfield or other former employers like Stripe. However, opposition MPs argue this is insufficient given the "unprecedented extent" of his corporate ties.

The vote passed amid Carney's nine-day Asia-Pacific tour, highlighting partisan tensions. Conservatives framed it as a probe into whether a Prime Minister should hold investments in entities like Brookfield, which has been linked to tax haven structures. Liberals have defended the existing safeguards, but the binding House order limits evasion options.

Broader Background
This builds on a September 19, 2025, ETHI motion (also led by Barrett) to review the Conflict of Interest Act, focusing on blind trusts, tax havens, and extending rules to party leadership candidates. Carney's financial disclosures, filed with the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, have fueled opposition questions since his Liberal leadership win earlier in 2025. No formal ethics violation has been ruled yet, but the testimony could escalate scrutiny.The Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner provides confidential advice to public officials but does not initiate probes without complaints; this parliamentary action bypasses that for direct accountability.