OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government of Canada is committed to working with partners and experts across the country to help address Canada's housing challenges and ensure that a diversity of perspectives informs federal housing policy.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced the appointment of Jennifer Keesmaat as new co-chair of the National Housing Council, along with five new members: Adam Spence, Kelly Lin, Kymberly Franklin, Margaret Pfoh and Rory Richards.
The new members bring experience and expertise from a range of fields, including affordable and Indigenous housing, community development, human rights, real estate, finance and investment:
- Jennifer Keesmaat is a recognized leader in urban planning, housing, and the development of complete communities. She has worked with cities around the world to promote sustainable and inclusive community planning, and has provided expert guidance to national governments globally.
- Adam Spence is Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of SVX, an impact investing firm operating in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Colombia, and has advised organizations across the Americas as a civic finance leader and entrepreneur.
- Kelly Lin is a multidisciplinary leader in affordable and social housing, community development, real estate finance and governance, with experience working on seniors' housing, Indigenous housing, women's shelters and housing for people experiencing vulnerability.
- Kymberly Franklin is senior legal counsel with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and has practised human rights law for more than 20 years.
- Margaret Pfoh is Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association and has dedicated more than 30 years to advocating for Indigenous rights and advancing housing solutions for Indigenous Peoples across Canada
- Rory Richards is an entrepreneur of Shíshálh (Sechelt) descent and founder of NUQO Modular, an Indigenous-led and female-led general contractor focused on affordable and Indigenous housing.
The Government of Canada extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing members concluding their terms, including co-chair, Tim Richter, Sylvia Maracle and Pamela Glode Desrochers of the National Housing Council for their dedication, expertise and service. We thank them for their commitment and the lasting impact of their work to better housing outcomes across the country.
Quotes
"The National Housing Council plays an important role in bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table as we work to address Canada's housing challenges. I am pleased to welcome Jennifer Keesmaat as the new co-chair of the Council, along with new members Adam Spence, Kelly Lin, Kymberly Franklin, Margaret Pfoh and Rory Richards. Their diverse expertise will bring valuable perspectives to the Council's work and help ensure that our housing policies respond to the needs of communities across Canada. Thank you to the outgoing members for their dedication and work on the Council."
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
"I would like to extend my congratulations to Jennifer Keesmaat on her appointment as co-chair of the National Housing Council. She brings a unique combination of policy expertise, leadership experience, and hands-on knowledge of housing development and delivery. Her experience working across both policy and implementation will be invaluable as the Council continues to provide advice on some of Canada's most pressing housing challenges. It is also a pleasure to welcome five new members to the National Housing Council. They join the Council at a critical time for housing policy in Canada as the federal government develops their plans for the expiry of the National Housing Strategy. The experience, expertise, and perspectives they bring will be a great asset to the Council as it continues to advance its important work."
Tim Richter, Co-Chair, National Housing Council and President & CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
Quick facts
- The National Housing Strategy Act (the Act) of 2019 recognizes the right to adequate housing as a fundamental human right, as recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
- The Act includes the establishment of a National Housing Council, the appointment of a Federal Housing Advocate and the establishment of review panels.
- A human rights-based approach to housing formed the foundation for what became Canada's National Housing Strategy Act.
- Launched on September 14, 2025, Build Canada Homes is Canada's new federal agency, with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing. By leveraging public land, flexible financial tools, and modern methods of construction, the agency is catalysing a more productive and innovative homebuilding industry.
- The National Housing Council is an advisory body that promotes participation and inclusion in the development of Canada's housing policy with the aim of improving housing outcomes for everyone in Canada.
- The Council brings together committed experts with diverse experience from across Canada. They advise the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure on housing issues in Canada and on the government's housing policies.
Related Products
- Biographies: New appointees to the National Housing Council
Associated Links
- National Housing Council
- Federal Housing Advocate
- Human Rights-Based Approach to Housing
- National Housing Strategy
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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