Canada's Indigenous Languages Office under audit as interim commissioner joins probe

Interim Indigenous languages commissioner St‑Aubin said her office is fully participating in external audits of the Indigenous Languages Office. The office has been criticised for spending $10 million on extensive travel and a single conference, and for a toxic work environment marked by bullying, micromanagement and staff resignations.

Former commissioner Ronald Ignace’s term and that of the office’s directors ended in July, and a permanent commissioner has not yet been appointed. After anonymous complaints, the federal government ordered a financial audit of the office’s transactions and a mandatory five‑year review required by the Indigenous Languages Act. Canadian Heritage says the audit will assess compliance with legislative standards, with findings to be posted on the office’s website. St‑Aubin acknowledged community skepticism about her temporary appointment and said her role is to ensure the office functions, not to make sweeping changes.