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The federal government has ordered a financial audit into the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages after receiving anonymous complaints regarding its operations. Canadian Heritage confirmed that an independent third-party firm has been contracted to conduct a special examination under the Indigenous Languages Act, focusing on whether the office’s financial records, systems, and practices comply with legislative standards. The department did not disclose the specific nature of the allegations nor provide a timeline for the review. The office, established in 2021 following recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was created to support the revitalisation and preservation of Indigenous languages in Canada. However, concerns have been raised by former employees and other sources who allege that the office has struggled with internal governance issues, including a toxic workplace environment, bullying, and unresolved human resources complaints. Critics also argue that the organisation has prioritised large-scale events, including a reported $10-million international language conference in Ottawa, over its core mandate of supporting language revitalisation and research. Some former staff claim that key projects were deprioritised in favour of conference planning and extensive travel activities, though the office disputes these characterisations. Canadian Heritage, which funds the organisation through multi-year agreements and long-term grants, stated it is not involved in day-to-day management. The office itself acknowledged receiving formal bullying complaints and said it has undertaken internal investigations and personnel changes, with further reviews of governance and HR practices underway. Commissioner Ronald Ignace defended the office’s work, highlighting its foundational achievements and international summit participation. The audit comes as part of broader mandatory five-year reviews under the Indigenous Languages Act, while the current leadership term is nearing its end. The situation has raised questions about accountability, governance, and the effectiveness of funding intended to support Canada’s endangered Indigenous languages.

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