While lobbying a public office holder in Ontario, a consultant lobbyist or in-house lobbyist cannot knowingly place the public office holder in a position of real or potential conflict of interest. 

A public office holder is in a position of conflict of interest if he or she engages in an activity that is prohibited by sections 2, 3, or 4 or subsection 6(1) of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994. 

These activities include:

• Making or participating in decision-making that could further public office holder’s private interests or improperly further those of another person
• Using confidential information to further the public office holder’s private interests or improperly further those of another person
• Using a public office’s position to influence decisions of others to further a public office holder’s private interests or improperly further those of another person
• Accepting a fee, gift or personal benefit that is connected directly or indirectly with the performance of the public office holder’s duties. 

Additional information and guidance about the gift rules for MPPs and their staff can be found at www.oico.on.ca under ‘MPP Integrity – Guidance on the Gift Rule’ and/or ‘Ministers’ Staff Ethical Conduct – Guidance on the Gift Rule’.