2026 Special Examination—International Development Research Centre
Ottawa, May 1, 2026—The International Development Research Centre, a federal Crown corporation, released the report of a special examination completed by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. The audit examined how the centre managed its corporate practices, research projects, and donor agreements. The centre funds and supports research and innovation in developing regions to help address global challenges.
Overall, the audit found that the centre maintained its systems and practices in a manner that provided reasonable assurance that assets were safeguarded and controlled, resources were managed economically and efficiently, and operations were carried out effectively. However, the examination found a significant deficiency in the centre’s corporate governance due to a high number of board vacancies. During the audit period, only 4 of 14 positions were filled for several months. Although appointments are not within the centre’s control, a high number of vacancies meant that the Board of Governors could not meet the required quorum of 7 members. Furthermore, the board could not carry out many of its oversight responsibilities because most board committees were unable to function.
The audit also found that the centre managed its operations well and had many good corporate management practices, but improvements were needed in some areas, such as in the management of corporate risks and research projects.
Under the Financial Administration Act, federal Crown corporations are subject to a special examination by the Auditor General of Canada at least once every 10 years. These examinations focus on systems and practices that are key to providing the Crown corporation with reasonable assurance that its assets are safeguarded and controlled, its resources are managed economically and efficiently, and its operations are carried out effectively. Special examination reports are therefore a source of important information that parliamentarians can use to hold Crown corporations to account.
The 2026 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
Please visit our Media Room for more information.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Media Relations
Telephone: 1-888-761-5953
Email: infomedia@oag-bvg.gc.ca