CEO leaves Native Women's Association of Canada engulfed in turmoil

The most prominent Indigenous women's organization in Canada announced on Friday the departure of its chief executive officer amid internal turmoil.

In an email viewed by CBC News, Carol McBride, president of the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), informed staff that Lynne Groulx is no longer employed as the organization's CEO.

«NWAC continues to be committed to the grassroots Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people we serve,» McBride wrote in the staff email. «I look forward to working with you as we enter a new chapter.»

NWAC's board later announced Groulx's departure on the organization's website.

The development came after a CBC News investigation reported on the turmoil rocking the national advocacy organization founded 50 years ago to enhance the well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women.

CBC News reported on an ongoing federal financial audit of NWAC, where preliminary evidence found ineligible expenses.

Groulx said NWAC provided all backup information to support its expenses and blamed the federal government for cutting program funding, which NWAC said led to the layoff of 78 employees.

The CEO's exit also follows union-busting allegations made in Ontario and Quebec labour board complaints against the organization, which NWAC denies.

NWAC president wants organization to return to mandate

In a statement, NWAC said Groulx is leaving to head a new venture focused on social business and Indigenous prosperity, which McBride later confirmed does not involve the organization.

«Leaving the role you love is always difficult,» Groulx said in the statement.

«It has been an honour and incredible journey leading NWAC and contributing to its success. I am immensely proud of what