Leslie Levita

Leslie Levita is a recently retired federal government executive with more than 30 years of experience in internal and external audit, evaluation, performance measurement, international development, and project management. She has served in senior leadership roles across the Government of Canada, including as Chief Audit Executive for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, where she advised deputy ministers and senior executives on governance, risk management, controls, and organizational performance.

Known for her strategic judgment, analytical rigour, and ability to lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams, Leslie has directed complex audit and assurance activities, managed significant human and financial resources, and supported departmental audit committees and executive decision-making. Her career includes leadership positions with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Global Affairs Canada, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, and Human Resources Development Canada.

Leslie brings deep expertise in performance auditing, quality assurance, risk-based audit planning, stakeholder engagement, international negotiations, and large-scale transformation initiatives. She has negotiated multi-million-dollar international agreements, led audits of high-profile government programs and missions abroad, and contributed to policy and program delivery in both domestic and international contexts. She is recognized as a trusted advisor, articulate communicator, and collaborative leader who balances strategic insight with operational awareness.

She holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, graduate studies in Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with High Honours. Her professional development includes training in change management, performance audit, internal audit, evaluation, project management, leadership, media relations, and negotiation.