Auditor general's findings no surprise to London

Indigenous leaders in the London area say the findings of this week's scathing federal auditor general's report about Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) come as no surprise to them.

Auditor general Karen Hogan found the department has fallen far behind in implementing numerous recommendations from past department audits , despite a near-doubling in spending since 2019.

As a result, First Nations have been left to face persistent barriers accessing health care, safe drinking water and emergency management services, the report says.

"Sustained focus from Indigenous Services Canada to redesign how it delivers programs and collaborating with First Nations to improve their capacity are important steps for resolving these persistent issues, improving outcomes, and advancing reconciliation