Former Carney adviser, CMHC head named inaugural chair of Build Canada Homes

Former CMHC head to chair Build Canada Homes
Former CMHC head to chair Build Canada Homes
Then-CMHC president Evan Siddall speaks to the Canadian Club of Toronto on Thursday, June 1, 2017.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Writer

Ottawa is appointing a former investment banker and public servant with links to Prime Minister Mark Carney to steer the board of directors at its affordable housing agency.

Build Canada Homes' inaugural board chair Evan Siddall was CEO of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. from late 2013 to 2021, where he helped to develop the Liberals' national housing strategy.

Siddall was most recently vice-chair at BMO Capital Markets and his experience includes heading up Alberta's AIMCo pension fund manager and stints at Goldman Sachs and Irving Oil.

The incoming chair also served for a number of years as special adviser to Carney when he was governor of the Bank of Canada.

The Liberals launched Build Canada Homes nearly a year ago but in June the agency became a Crown corporation, which must be governed by an independent board of directors.

A federal release says Siddall will exercise the board's powers unilaterally until a process to appoint at least eight directors concludes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 10, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

  • The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

Housing minister says no Liberal favouritism

Housing minister says Liberal ridings aren't favoured for funding after Gladu comment

Canada Child Benefit payments in October are giving parents up to $679 per child

Eligible parents and caregivers can expect money as a direct deposit or cheque.

Toronto vs. Victoria: I compared the cost of living in 2026 and didn't expect these results

Some of the differences were surprisingly small — others cost thousands a year. 💸