Call For Candidates
Regional Elections (three-year terms)
- One (1) director elected by members in British Columbia/Yukon
- One (1) director elected by members in Manitoba/Saskatchewan
- One (1) director elected by members in Ontario
- One (1) director elected by Indigenous Co-operative Housing Community Members
Elected by an electronic vote (during the period of April 1-21, 2026).
The nomination deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on March 13, 2026.
Names of candidates will be posted as they are received.
At-large Elections (3 positions for a three-year term, 1 position for a one-year term)
There are four (4) positions up for election at the 2026 Annual Meeting (3 for a three-year term, and 1 for a one-year term). We’re looking for candidates with knowledge and experience in the co-op housing sector, financial literacy, leadership and communication skills, and a diversity of lived experiences.
Elected at the National Business Meeting in Fredericton, NB. The nomination deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on April 30, 2026.
Names of candidates will be posted as they are received.
For more information
Contact Mursalin Chowdhury at the CHF Canada office by email or by phone toll-free at 1-800-465-2752 or (613) 230-2201 in Ottawa, ext. 235. You may also contact members of the Nominations Committee via email:
- Allison Chase (Regional Director, Ontario), Markham, ON
- Don Goss (Regional Director, NS/NL), Halifax, NS
- Namulinda Lester (Regional Director, Ontario), Toronto, ON
- Olufemi Onanuga (Regional Director, AB/NWT), Edmonton, AB
Forms
To put your name forward, please complete the following:
Who can run?
CHF Canada is a dynamic national association looking for people to represent members and key stakeholders to participate in the governance of a strong federation driven by co-operative values. CHF Canada has over 900 member co-ops, along with regional federations, co-op management companies, staff associations, and many other stakeholder organizations in all parts of Canada.
CHF Canada needs strong leaders, and it starts with you! Here are some of the qualities CHF Canada looks for:
- Commitment to CHF Canada and the wider co-op movement
- Integrity, honesty, effective listening and communication, collaboration, negotiation and innovative thinking
- Skill and experience in areas such as financial literacy, strategic planning, governance and knowledge of the co-op housing sector
- A diversity of lived experiences. People with experience of poverty or homelessness, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and people of all ages and cultural and religious backgrounds bring vital knowledge, perspective and community connections to our organization
We strongly encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to run, and we commit to making sure your experience is safe and welcoming. We also feel it is very important for our younger members to help lead our movement, so we strongly encourage emerging leaders to consider running for election.
A full listing of desired skills, experience and personal attributes for candidates is available here.
It’s important to note that this list is not intended to put restrictions on eligible candidates. We recognize that individuals develop skills and experience in many ways both formal and informal through education and training, work experience and community experience. CHF Canada does not expect that candidates will possess every single attribute and skillset, but that the Board of Directors works as a whole to possess a composite of many of these skills and attributes.
What to Expect
Regional and At-large Directors
- The Board of Directors routinely meets four times per year (in person and virtually). Meetings generally occur at the end of a week and continue onto a Saturday
- Additional email or Zoom meetings are held throughout the year as needed
- Additional time commitment (variable) if serving on a committee of the Board
- More information on a director’s duties and responsibilities are here
Voting
Regional Elections
All regional positions will be elected online between April 1 to 21, 2026. Co-ops in these regions will elect their regional director by using an electronic voting system and will be contacted separately about how to vote.
At-Large Directors
Delegates attending the meeting in-person will use voting keypads for elections and resolutions at the National Business Meeting. Delegates attending virtually will vote online.
Director Elections FAQ
Don't see your question here?
Email boardofdirectors@chfcanada.coop and we will be happy to assist you.
To qualify as a Director, you must meet the following requirements:
General requirements (per CHF Canada by-laws and the Canada Cooperatives Act):
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not be bankrupt.
- Not have been found incapable by a court.
- At the time of election and throughout your term, be a member in good standing, or a director, officer, or employee of a CHF Canada member.
- The CHF Canada member you represent must also be in good standing at the time of election.
Additional role-specific requirements:
- Finance and Audit Committee Director:
- Must be financially literate and understand CHF Canada’s business.
- Candidates are pre-qualified by the Nominating Committee.
- Indigenous Community Director (regional seat):
- Must declare in writing that you are of North American Indigenous ancestry.
The Board is guided by the will of the members through by-laws and resolutions adopted at members’ meetings. Working within CHF Canada’s mission and mandate, the Board strengthens both the national co-operative housing movement and CHF Canada as an association.
The Board’s responsibilities include:
- Advising the membership.
- Ensuring CHF Canada acts with integrity and in the best interests of members.
- Securing the future of CHF Canada.
- Providing leadership to the co-operative housing movement in Canada.
- Directing key aspects of CHF Canada’s business, such as:
- Admitting members and associates.
- Electing officers.
- Establishing organizational structures.
- Appointing, compensating, supervising, and evaluating the Executive Director.
- Approving personnel, compensation policies, strategic plans, operating plans, and budgets.
- Approving financial statements and presenting them to members.
- Recommending dues levels.
- Reporting to members.
- Evaluating the Board’s own effectiveness.
Note: CHF Canada’s Board is a governing (policy) board, not a working board. Its focus is on strategy, oversight, and accountability—rather than day-to-day operations.
- The Board typically meets four times per year:
- Three in-person meetings (usually two in Ottawa and one in the city hosting the annual meeting).
- One virtual meeting (though the mix can vary year to year).
- Meetings usually begin at the end of the week and continue into Saturday. Travel time before/after meetings is also required.
- Additional Zoom or email meetings may occur throughout the year as needed.
- Directors who serve on Board committees (standing or ad hoc) will have additional time commitments. Committees include:
- Nominating Committee
- Resolutions Committee
- Finance and Audit Committee
- Awards Committee
- Coverage of travel, hotel, and per diem costs for all Directors and committee members.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket child care expenses (up to a maximum, based on number of children).
- Reimbursement for lost wages (up to a daily maximum).
- Visit the Elections webpage to access required forms, deadlines, and detailed instructions.
- To be nominated, you must submit a completed and signed Candidate Declaration Form and Confirmation of Good Standing Form (signed by the member you represent) by 5:00 pm EST on the deadline date.
- You must also provide:
- A short bio
- A photo
- A video (up to 2 minutes)
These materials will be used to promote your candidacy on CHF Canada’s website before and during the annual meeting. Your bio and video should help members understand who you are and why they should vote for you.
The nomination deadline for all Regional Director positions is March 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
The nomination deadline for At-Large Director positions is April 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Support
For registration support, please contact us at registration@chfcanada.coop
Requests for changes, cancellation or substitutions must be submitted in writing to registration@chfcanada.coop