Former CMHC exec named Build Canada Homes chair

Key Takeaways:

• Evan Siddall has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Build Canada Homes as the agency transitions into a full Crown corporation
• Build Canada Homes focuses on non market housing and has already committed to nearly 17,000 units with over 1,900 currently under construction
• Siddall will temporarily exercise full board authority under transitional provisions while the remaining directors are appointed

The Whole Story:

The federal government has named former Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) chief executive Evan Siddall as the inaugural Board Chair of Build Canada Homes. The appointment marks a operational milestone as the newly formed federal housing agency transitions from an initial development phase into a full-fledged Crown corporation tasked with scaling up non-market and affordable housing supply across Canada.

Siddall, who previously served as CEO of CMHC and Vice-Chair of BMO Capital Markets, brings decades of institutional finance, housing policy, and corporate governance experience to the post. Under transitional provisions established by the Build Canada Homes Act (Bill C-20)—which received Royal Assent on June 19, 2026—Siddall will temporarily exercise the powers of the Board of Directors while appointments for at least eight additional board members are finalized.

First launched in September 2025 as a Special Operating Agency, Build Canada Homes provides direct financing, loans, loan guarantees, and capital contributions to housing developers, non-profits, and municipal partners. The agency’s mandate centers on accelerating non-market housing, supporting mixed-income developments, and promoting sustainable, industrial building techniques using Canadian technology, workers, and lumber. To date, the agency has committed funding to nearly 17,000 housing units across 17 national partnerships, with more than 1,900 units currently under active construction.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “By reducing barriers and speeding up delivery, Build Canada Homes is helping build stronger, more affordable communities across the country. The appointment of Evan Siddall, with his experience and credentials, as inaugural Board Chair will help advance this important work and deliver real results for Canadians.”

Build Canada Homes Chief Executive Officer Ana Bailão welcomed the appointment, emphasizing that Siddall’s financial background will provide the governance structure required to scale operations. “Build Canada Homes is advancing a new, more effective approach to scaling up housing supply across the country,” Bailão said. “Evan Siddall’s appointment will provide Build Canada Homes the governance foundations needed to advance its mandate. I look forward to working with Mr. Siddall, who brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to improving housing outcomes for Canadians.”