Interim Indigenous languages commissioner’s term extended

OTTAWA — The interim commissioner of Indigenous languages will serve in the role for another month as the Canadian Heritage department continues to search for a permanent replacement.

Candice St-Aubin, a former senior assistant deputy minister of strategic policy with Indigenous Services Canada, was supposed to serve in the role for 90 days or until a new commissioner was appointed.

A cabinet order dated Oct. 7 extends her appointment for another 31 days, or until she is no longer needed in the role. The order is effective as of Oct. 12.

The term of Ron Ignace, the previous commissioner, ended in July, along with the terms of the office’s directors.

The Canadian Heritage Department said in a media statement the process to appoint a new commissioner was launched in February. It said St-Aubin’s term is being extended “to ensure stability and leadership for the office while the selection process is finalized.”

The Canadian Press reported earlier this year an audit is being conducted on the office, which is tasked with helping to preserve at-risk Indigenous languages.

Half a dozen sources, including former employees, told The Canadian Press that over the five years of its existence, the commissioner’s office has failed to move the needle on strengthening Indigenous languages and supporting research.

Instead, they said, the office has focused on extensive travel and hosting one big conference in Ottawa that cost $10 million. They also allege a toxic work environment, bullying and uncompleted projects, as well as staff quitting in frustration.

The Canadian Press agreed not to name the sources because they feared reprisals.

In a media statement at the time, Ignace said the office has faced challenges but “we succeeded in laying the foundation for an office capable of carrying forward this significant work.”

Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller described allegations against the office as serious.

“But part of holding people to account is giving people the benefit of the doubt, and that includes making sure the due process is respected,” he said earlier in June.

In a July interview with The Canadian Press, St-Aubin said she knows her office has work to do on rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities, and she is participating fully in the audit.

“Having seen the reporting coming in, my eyes were wide open. Financial stewardship is something that is ingrained in me, much like ethics and codes of conduct, but also managing people,” St-Aubin said.

St-Aubin said she wants the next commissioner and directors to start their mandates knowing the office is functioning.

She said Indigenous communities also want to see demonstrable results from the office’s work.

“We’ve got to build trust by showing [our work], by talking about it, by engaging in conversations, continued conversations, even if it’s uncomfortable,” St-Aubin said, adding she wants young people to have more of a say in the work the office does.

“There’s a whole lot of great innovation happening there. And I think if we can demonstrate that and show folks what’s going on, we’ll go a long way.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press