A federal audit has been launched into the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, following allegations of a toxic work environment and questionable spending practices .

The $10 million toe in the water

The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages spent $10 million on a four-day conference in Ottawa, which some argue was not the most effective use of resources. Patricia Ningewance, an associate professor of Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba, suggested that the conference could have been more successful if groups were gathered by shared languages to make tangible recommendations for preservation.

The conference, WAVES 2025, featured cultural performances, keynote speeches, workshops, and panels. Despite initial advice to scale back the conference's budget, the final cost exceeded the initial estimate of $8.9 million.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages has faced allegations of a toxic work environment, with reports of bullying, uncompleted projects, and high staff turnover. Documents obtained by The Canadian Press suggest that senior officials, including Commissioner Ronald Ignace, were notified of these issues but failed to address them effectively.

The commissioner's office has acknowledged receiving three formal complaints of bullying, which were investigated and led to personnel changes. However, sources allege that the toxic work environment continues to negatively impact the office's operations.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The federal government has ordered a financial audit into the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages following anonymous complaints.. Canadian Heritage, the department overseeing the office, has engaged an independent firm to conduct a special examination under the Indigenous Languages Act.

The review will assess the office's compliance with legislative standards, focusing on its financial transactions and activities.. No timeline has been provided for the completion of the audit.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages was established in 2020 as an arm's-length office, following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Its madate includes supporting Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining, and strengthening their languages, promoting public awareness, and supporting research and innovation.

However, several sources, including former employees, have raised concerns about the office's effectiveness in achieving these goals. Critics argue that the office has failed to make significant progress in its five years of operation.