Opening Statement before the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
Main Estimates 2025–26 and 2025 Reports 1 to 4 of the Auditor General of Canada
17 June 2025
Karen Hogan, Fellow Chartered Professional AccountantFCPA
Auditor General of Canada
Mr. Chair, we are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss our Main estimates for 2025–26. I also understand members of the committee may have questions on our recently tabled reports. I would like to acknowledge that this hearing is taking place on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.
With me at the table today are Andrew Hayes, Deputy Auditor General, Paule‑Anny Pierre, Senior Assistant Auditor General, and Jean‑René Drapeau, Chief Financial Officer. Behind me are 4 members of my management team who were responsible for some of our recent performance audits: Principals Glenn Wheeler, Markirit Armutlu, Sami Hannoush, and Director Isabelle Marsolais.
For our Main Estimates for the 2025–26 fiscal year, our total budget is approximately $136 million. With these resources, we plan to employ the equivalent of 750 full-time employees. During this period, we plan to issue about 100 financial audits, at least 25 performance audits, and 4 special examinations. We are currently working on audits covering a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity of government networks and systems, call centres, early learning and childcare, and housing of Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
During the 2025–26 fiscal year, we will continue to work on several internal initiatives. These include our engagement with interested parties, our transformation journey, and projects to sustain and further develop a skilled, diverse, and engaged workforce. These initiatives are key to our efforts to deliver value for those we audit and to meet the needs of legislators and all of Canada’s peoples.
As you know, last week I presented 4 performance audit reports. We would be pleased to answer any questions about these reports which covered: registration under the Indian Act, Canada’s future fighter jets, federal office space, and professional services contracts with GCStrategies Inc.
My office also presented 4 reports from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development last week. If the committee has questions specific to those reports, I know the Commissioner will be happy to appear before the committee.
Mr. Chair, in closing, I would like to acknowledge the committed, hardworking, and devoted team of professionals in my office. I am incredibly proud of the excellent work we deliver.
We thank the committee for its ongoing support and use of our work and are now pleased to answer the committee’s questions. Thank you.