OTTAWA – The government of Canada has appointed Evan Siddall, a former investment banker and public servant with close connections to Prime Minister Mark Carney, as the inaugural chair of the board of directors for Build Canada Homes, a newly established affordable housing agency. Siddall brings a wealth of experience in the finance and public sectors, having previously served as the CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) from late 2013 to 2021.
During his tenure at CMHC, Siddall played a crucial role in shaping the national housing strategy under the Liberal government, which aims to improve housing accessibility for Canadians. His expertise extends beyond public service; most recently, he held the position of vice-chair at BMO Capital Markets. Siddall’s diverse background also includes notable roles as the head of Alberta's AIMCo pension fund manager, as well as working for major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and Irving Oil.
In addition to his financial and managerial accomplishments, Siddall has a history of collaboration with Prime Minister Carney, having served as a special adviser during Carney's term as Governor of the Bank of Canada. This connection likely influenced his appointment, highlighting the government’s intention to leverage experienced leadership in addressing Canada’s affordable housing challenges.
Build Canada Homes was originally launched by the Liberal government nearly a year ago to tackle the growing demand for affordable housing across the country. In June, the agency transitioned to become a Crown corporation, which now necessitates governance by an independent board. This structure is designed to enhance accountability and transparency in its operations.
The federal announcement indicated that Siddall will assume full responsibility for the board’s functions until an appointment process for at least eight additional directors is completed. This interim leadership approach is expected to provide the necessary strategic direction for the agency as it begins its critical mission to expand affordable housing options in Canada.
This development marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing affordability, a pressing issue that affects many Canadians. Siddall's appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure that Build Canada Homes operates with experienced oversight and a clear vision for the future.
