The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada Releases 2026 Pre-Budget Submission to Protect Canadian Taxpayers Through Strengthened Accountability and Oversight
Press Release | Advocacy, Policy & Stakeholder Relations | May 14, 2026
Ottawa, ON — May 14, 2026 — The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada (IIA Canada) today released its 2026 Pre-Budget Submission, outlining key recommendations to the Government of Canada aimed at reinforcing accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
At the core of the submission are two priority recommendations designed to ensure that internal audit continues to play a vital role in safeguarding public resources and strengthening trust in government operations.
The first recommendation from IIA Canada calls on the federal government to provide sustained and adequate funding for internal audit functions across the public sector. Maintaining or increasing current budgetary levels will help ensure a strong and independent internal audit function capable of protecting Canadian taxpayers.
“Internal audit provides critical independent assurance that public resources are used effectively and as intended,” said David Helberg, Chair of The IIA’s North American Board. “Adequate funding enables internal auditors to uphold accountability, enhance transparency, and support the responsible management of public programs.”
Recognizing the rapid proliferation of emerging technologies, IIA Canada also called on the Government to develop a comprehensive Directive on Internal Audit for Artificial Intelligence. As highlighted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in his 2025 mandate letter, the Government of Canada aims to “become much more productive by deploying AI at scale.” While this transformation presents significant opportunities, it also introduces new and complex risks that must be proactively managed.
IIA Canada recommends the establishment of a dedicated directive to provide consistent, independent assurance over the deployment of artificial intelligence across government. This directive would complement existing Treasury Board policies and ensure that internal audit functions are systematically leveraged to identify and mitigate AI-related risks, as well as assess the effectiveness of internal controls and oversight mechanisms.
IIA Canada emphasizes that a balanced approach is required—one that enables innovation while establishing appropriate guardrails to protect Canadians. A formal Directive on Internal Audit for Artificial Intelligence would enhance compliance, support ongoing monitoring, and help ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly, ethically, and effectively across government.
By reinforcing internal audit capacity and establishing clear frameworks for emerging technologies, IIA Canada’s recommendations aim to bolster confidence among stakeholders, enhance the effectiveness of government programs, and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
The submission aligns with the Government of Canada’s broader objective, as articulated by Carney, to improve productivity by focusing on results over spending. IIA Canada asserts that a well-resourced and forward-looking internal audit function is essential to achieving this vision.
About The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada
The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada (IIA Canada), a part of The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA), represents more than 8,200 members across the country. Through its partnership with 12 local chapters, IIA Canada delivers training, professional development, research, and essential services to internal auditors while advocating on behalf of the profession with governments, regulators, and key stakeholders.
The IIA is an international professional association that serves more than 265,000 global members and has awarded more than 220,000 Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession’s leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance.