Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has earned himself a slap on the wrist from the federal Ethics Commissioner for violating the Conflict of Interest Act. His infraction? Writing a letter to Canada’s broadcast regulator in support of a constituent who was vying for a highly coveted radio station licence in Toronto last year (and ultimately lost) on his MP letterhead but accidentally using his ministerial signature block. The revelation follows reports last summer that at least two other applicants made donations to the Conservative Party of Canada (see all related links at bottom).