Leadership change coincides with financial audit, labour complaints
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) has announced the departure of its chief executive officer, Lynne Groulx.
According to a report by CBC News, news of Groulx’s departure was first shared with staff through an email from NWAC president Carol McBride.
The organization later confirmed the news through a statement on its website, where it said that the former CEO was leaving to “pursue a new opportunity.”
Groulx’s exit comes as NWAC is embroiled in controversy over reports of ineligible expenses, as well as union-busting allegations.
According to a report by CBC News, an ongoing federal audit found evidence that NWAC used federal funds “in ways that were not approved.”
The audit coincided with NWAC’s announcement of layoffs affecting 78 employees, which Groulx had attributed to cuts in federal funding.
Complaints filed with labour boards in Ontario and Quebec have also accused the organization of engaging in union-busting activities.
Groulx’s departure signals “new chapter” for NWAC
Groulx joined NWAC in 2016. Under her leadership, the organization embarked on new social projects, including a café and a gift shop. Plans for a boutique hotel were also underway.
These initiatives were introduced by Groulx as a way to generate revenue for community programming, but critics claimed they diverged from NWAC’s non-profit mandate.
“Leaving the role, you love is always difficult,” said Groulx in the statement about her departure. “It has been an honour and incredible journey leading NWAC and contributing to its success.”
“On behalf of the board of NWAC, I want to extend our most sincere appreciation to Lynne for her dedication, vision and leadership during her tenure as CEO,” McBride added.
In the email she sent to the staff, McBride emphasized the NWAC’s ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals.
“I look forward to working with you as we enter a new chapter,” she said.
Staff were also informed that Nicole Richmond will serve as interim CEO while the board conducts a “national search” for a permanent replacement. Richmond is part of the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, an Ojibway First Nation on the northern shore of Lake Superior in Ontario.
“I think we’re going to really, really concentrate on getting back to what NWAC was supposed to be all about,” McBride told CBC News. “It’s the advocacy and restructuring it in a way that answers to those needs.”
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