Speakers

Conference Speakers:

Keynote Speaker Dr. Ren Thomas, Associate Professor of School of Planning at Dalhousie University

Action for Housing: Lessons from Nova Scotia in Growing and Sustaining Community Housing

Nova Scotia is experiencing unprecedented housing challenges, with strong population growth, demand for employment, and the price of housing escalating rapidly. In this context, the Province launched an Affordable Housing Commission, co-chaired by Dr. Ren Thomas. The Commission engaged over 2,000 Nova Scotians, and developed recommendations to the government and partners that will change the affordable housing sector with a major focus on non-profit housing empowerment and growth. Learn more about Dr. Ren Thomas here.

The presentation will cover the recommendations from the Commission, a review of what the Government of Nova Scotia has done to date, and an interactive discussion on what Manitoba can and should do to empower and grow our non-profit housing sector.

Stephan Richard, Director of Development, Community Housing Transformation Centre

Action for Housing: Lessons from Nova Scotia in Growing and Sustaining Community Housing

Stephan brings more than 15 years of senior management experience within government and the non-profit sectors, with a strong focus on housing policy development and strategic partnerships. He is a skilled relationship builder and communications professional, with a proven track record of driving positive social outcomes. Before joining the Community Housing Transformation Centre in 2023, Stephan served as Executive Director of Housing Solutions and Development at the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In this role, he played a key part in expanding provincial support for housing co-operatives and non-profit housing organizations.

Stephan holds a post-secondary degree in communications and has continually enhanced his expertise through ongoing professional development. This includes completing the Executive Leadership Development program at Dalhousie University.

Brian H. Sibley (he/him) MBA BSW, Executive Director, Kiwanis Homes Hamilton

Panel: Holding On – the Impact of Building Sales and Options to Prevent It

Session: Using Equity to Build

Since 2014 Brian Sibley has been the Executive Director of Kiwanis Homes, the third largest social housing provider in the Hamilton Region operating over 1,100 units. Their goal is to increase their portfolio by an additional 1,000 units by 2028. At this time, they have developed/are developing 530 new units. For much of his career, Brian has been involved in implementing and managing programs servicing marginalized client groups, including developing several transitional housing projects working with at-risk persons. He is a grandfather of two wonderful grandchildren, a cancer survivor, and an unapologetic proponent of social change.

Will Goodon, Minister of Housing, Manitoba Metis Federation

Panel: Data to Inform Programs – collecting and using data to inform programs and policies

Panel: Indigenous Led Housing

Since being elected as a representative for the Southwest Region in 2014, Minister Will Goodon has been proud to represent the Manitoba Metis Community and the Manitoba Metis Federation. As the Minister of Housing and Property Management, he’s seen a lot of positive changes in the department over the past few years as the team has grown dramatically since 2018. They’ve worked on some amazing projects in all corners of the province, including the completed Willow Bay senior’s housing compound, a soon to be finished sixplex in St. Boniface and much more. Minister Will Goodon is very hopeful for the future of Metis Nation housing in Manitoba and will continue to do his best to ensure that Metis citizens have access to an affordable home.

Mel Willerth (They/Them), Senior Manager of Education, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association and Chartered Institute of Housing Canada

Panel: Building Leaders in Non-Profit Housing

Mel has a strong background in non-profit organizations, advocacy, and post-secondary education. They are committed to ensuring that all those who work in housing are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to feel empowered to do their best work, and are passionate about decolonization, being anti-racist, and building up the 2SLGBTQ Community of Practice. In their spare time they enjoy travelling, reading, hanging out with family and checking out craft breweries.

Levi A Foy, Executive Director, Sunshine House

Panel: Indigenous Led Housing

Levi A. Foy is a Two-Spirit member of Couchiching First Nation who was raised in Treaty Two territories and formally educated in Winnipeg and Guelph. He co-founded the Like That program at Sunshine House in 2014 and became executive director in 2019. Previously, Levi worked at Main Street Project, Aboriginal Health & Wellness and the University of Winnipeg. With experience working in research and administration, child welfare, and homelessness, he has a strong background of community organizing that is rooted in Anishinaabe philosophies and practice. Levi’s relational approach is inspired by the teachings he has received from his blood and chosen families.

Stefanie Einfeld, Manager, Regional Energy Coach Program, Community Housing Transformation Centre

Panel: Building Leaders in Non-Profit Housing

Stefanie is a proud Métis woman living with her family in Winnipeg, where she started work at Manitoba’s largest housing co-operative. She quickly became passionate about sustainable, affordable community housing and a supporter for housing for all. She now brings experience from work in the Sustainable Affordable Housing program at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and helped develop the Indigenous Internship program at the Centre.

Fardeen Chowdhury, Regional Energy Coach: Prairies, MNPHA

Fardeen is the Regional Energy Coach for the Prairies, providing coaching and technical services to affordable housing providers across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. With a background in environmental auditing, qualitative research, and community engagement, his work focuses on integrating energy efficiency into affordable housing projects to enhance affordability and sustainability.

Tara Snider, CEO, Sara Riel

Panel: Tenant Supports with Funding by Housing Supports Initiative

Tara Brousseau Snider is CEO for Sara Riel – a mental health and addictions agency. Tara serves as a therapist at Recovery of Hope. She is co-chair of the Reseau Compassion Network of Manitoba’s Mental Health, Substance Use and Addictions committee, Board member of Equal Housing Initiative, Board Member for MNPHA, and member of the Coordinated Access Council and Naatamooskakowin Leadership for End Homelessness.  Tara holds a Master’s degree from Yorkville University in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University.