My name is Monica Taylor, my life is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa, my values were shaped by a rich cultural heritage and challenges of everyday life. These early experiences instilled in me with a strong spirit of perseverance that continues to guide my personal and professional journey.

In April 2005, I immigrated to Canada, beginning a new chapter filled with opportunity and growth. Arriving just as winter was yielding to spring. I embraced the transition as a symbol of renewal. Canada quickly became home, a place of stability, blessings and personal fulfillment centered around raising my two beloved sons, who remain the pride and joy of my life.

I have channeled my passion for helping others into a meaningful career in healthcare administration. Shortly after arriving in Canada, I earned a Healthcare Aide certification in 2005. Seeking to broaden my impact, I returned to college in 2006 to specialize in Medical Administrative Assistant and graduating in 2007. I found a professional home at Carewest, where I have been serving as an Administrative Secretary in the Seating Clinic Department for over 18 years. In 2017, I expanded my expertise by studying Health Information Management. My work is more than a job; it is a passion. I take pride in being a vital link connecting clients, clinical staff, and services, contributing patient well-being through strong organization, effective communication and professionalism.

My dedication to service extends beyond my career into community leadership and cooperative governance. I moved to Springhill Ranch Coop Housing in October 2012 when I had my second son. In 2013, I joined the Springhill Ranch Board serving impactful terms as Vice Chair. I then returned to the board in 2021, first serving as secretary, and later resuming the role as Vice Chair. My leadership journey continued with the Southern Alberta Cooperative Housing Association (SACHA) Board, where I currently serve as Vice Chair. Guided by cooperative values, I strive to help create safe, well-governed, and supportive communities where members feel valued and heard. “Coop a better place to live”. I bring a strong dedication to service, compassion for others, and a genuine interest in building supportive communities. My background in healthcare administration, combined with my leadership experience and commitment to cooperative values, makes me an asset to any board.

Faith plays a central role in my life. A devoted Catholic serving as a Eucharistic Minister and an active member of the Catholic Women’s League. In December 2025 I was honored with a 20-year service pin in recognition of my dedication to volunteer service. Outside of work and community involvement, I enjoy cooking, travelling, fashion, dance, and exploring new cultures. I love watching movies and television shows. I consider myself a dedicated professional, community leader, and a compassionate individual. My journey from Sierra Leone to Canada reflects a deep commitment to service, faith and building a better world wherever I am called to serve.

https://youtube.com/shorts/jcBL_iOP4qg?feature=share

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Lee’s understanding of housing, safety, affordability, and community was fundamentally reshaped in 2017 when they moved into a housing co-op. What began as a search for stable housing became a shift in purpose. That experience ignited a deep and lasting commitment to the co-operative housing sector and to the belief that safe, affordable housing is not a privilege, but a human right, and the cornerstone of thriving communities.

As an At-Large Director on the CHF Canada’s Board of Directors, and former Chair of its Nominations Committee (2024–2025), Lee is committed to strengthening governance while boldly advocating at the highest levels of government. They believe in lobbying as a federation—ensuring that policies and programs to develop new co-op housing stock and sustain existing communities are not only proposed but demanded.

As a queer, non-binary trans, neurodivergent individual with a hearing impairment, Lee understands firsthand the power of representation. Lee is the President of Rainbow Grove Housing Co-op, a new pre-development initiative committed to building inclusive, sustainable, community-governed housing for 2SLGBTQIA+ members in Nova Scotia.

Previously, Lee was an active member of Needham Housing Co-op, serving on the Grant Writing Committee, and Chair of High Hopes Housing Co-op Growth & Planning Committee, where they focused on work designed to create long-term sustainability. They also serve as Co-Chair of the Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Housing Network and as a CHF Canada Co-operators Insurance Atlantic Delegate and Alternate Chairperson of the Co-operators Insurance Atlantic Region Committee.

Through this work, Lee centers co-operative values, fiscal and social responsibility, and good governance to ensure longevity in our sector. They advocate for systemic change, diverse representation, and a culture of care, mutual respect, and resilience - always grounded in respect for the land on which we live, work, and play.

Professionally, Lee has more than 15 years of experience in legal and health care administration and currently works as an Intake Coordinator with Continuing Care Nova Scotia. Alongside their professional commitments, they are pursuing studies in the Social Work program at Dalhousie University, balancing academic rigor, parenting, and deep community involvement with determination and heart.

Lee was thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to CHF Canada’s newest strategic planning process and is motivated to carry this ambitious work forward over the next three years. They look forward to helping advance CHF Canada’s goals during an exciting and unprecedented period for co-operative housing in Canada, building on the momentum we have created and supporting a strong future for the sector.

Lee’s leadership is bold, values-driven, and unapologetically vocal. They are here to amplify voices, challenge systems, govern soundly and help build a co-operative housing movement that is equitable, inclusive, and impossible to ignore and they would be grateful to receive your support.

https://youtu.be/SCZkd8cN6As

Greetings from Misty Ridge Co-op on Burnaby Mountain, Burnaby B.C. I’m John Bathurst. My partner Pat and I are original members of Misty Ridge where we raised our three children and participated in the governance of our co-op.

My passion for co-op housing started before I experienced living in a co-op. As the son-in-law of Shirley Schmid, who can be credited with being involved in the development of 74 housing co-ops, I listened to many stories about the creation of co-ops in BC. with the vision that housing is a fundamental human right and that co-ops can and should be more than simply housing but rather decent, affordable homes within safe and caring communities. This vision continues to inspire me.

The last three years I have had the privilege of represent you, CHF Canada members on our national board. All three of my years I have served as treasurer, monitoring the finances of our well-run organization. Other committees I have been involved in include the nominations, the awards and the CEO HR committees.

Three years ago, I made one promise and that was to show up at all meetings and bring my background experience to the table. I am proud to say that promise has been honored.

A glimpse of my life’s experiences includes many volunteer positions, serving on the parks and recreation commission and city council in Port Alberni, where we owned and operated a thriving Fish and Chip restaurant. Family needs necessitated our move to Burnaby almost 40 years ago. Here I operated a contracting business until I retired.

I served a term on the CHFBC board and have been on the Aging in Place Committee for many years. Here at Misty Ridge, I have served on our board, maintenance committee and a major renovation adhoc committee to name a few.

The last three years serving as one of your directors, we have worked hard on several issues, most notably a strategic vision for the coming years. I would love to have the opportunity to continue the work implementing the plan. It is my intent is to encourage and mentor your next treasurer and continue serving on the finance committee.

Your vote to allow me to continue this work will be much appreciated. I invite you to question me directly on issues you may have. Either by email johnebathurst@gmail.com or text/phone 604 831-1384.

https://youtu.be/719-jt-9H0A

April is a leader in Indigenous housing and policy development with extensive experience across Canada. Her co-operative housing journey began as the manager of a small Indigenous housing co-op, and she later became a member of a different co-op, where she currently serves as Treasurer.

In 2023, she was acclaimed to the Board of Directors of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada as the Indigenous Communities Director. In this role, she has led a comprehensive review of the position and the policies and procedures that support Indigenous representation, strengthening governance and inclusion.

She hosted the inaugural gathering of Indigenous Housing Co-op members at the CHF’s annual meeting in 2025, fostering connection and collaboration across communities. Known for her friendly and determined approach, her commitment to advancing Indigenous-led housing solutions, reconciliation, and equitable policy development is well known.

Travelling extensively across Turtle Island, she has built trusted relationships both in the housing sector and with government representatives, always grounding her work in culturally led housing advocacy, guided by culture, community and family. Known for her friendly yet determined approach, she brings both warmth and clarity to complex policy conversations.

Committed to Reconciliation, April continues to work within the Co-op Housing Sector to have conversations with co-op members, other educators, staff and management through workshops designed to allow for conversations around the legacies of the Indian Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, and colonialism, recognizing that awareness and understanding is part of the journey, not the destination.

She is committed to advancing Indigenous-led and community-driven solutions that strengthen housing security for everyone. Being re-elected to the Board of CHF Canada for another term would allow her to continue advancing Indigenous-led housing advocacy within the sector.

My name is Twilla Maybury, and I have been a proud member of Beaver Creek Housing Co operative for more than fourteen years. Moving into the co op remains one of the best decisions I have made for myself and my children. They have grown up embracing co op values, and I have gained countless skills that have shaped me both personally and professionally. Co op living and advocacy are true passions of mine, and I am confident in my ability to champion and support our movement.

Over the past decade, I have served on Beaver Creek’s Board of Directors in several leadership roles, including President, Vice President, and Corporate Secretary. As President, I chaired meetings and helped guide key decisions that strengthened our community. As Vice President, I supported the President to ensure the board functioned smoothly and effectively. In my role as Corporate Secretary, I maintained accurate and timely records of board meetings, decisions, and actions. These experiences have deepened my understanding of governance and strengthened my commitment to cooperative principles.

I am always ready to contribute wherever I am needed. I participate actively in community events, including workdays, and have served on multiple committees—maintenance, social, and step out. These roles have given me the confidence to take on challenging tasks and see them through with dedication and care.

Education has always been important to me. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science and am currently working toward my Master’s degree, continuing to build the knowledge and skills that support my leadership and community work. I have also taken part in many workshops and training sessions offered by the Central Ontario Co operative Housing Federation (COCHF) and CHF Canada. I bring what I learn back to my co op, helping strengthen our community through shared knowledge and best practices.

Creativity is another part of who I am. As an artist who works with a variety of mediums, I enjoy bringing people together through creative expression. I have hosted several art workshops for my co op, creating opportunities for members to connect, learn, and explore their own creativity.

I am also proud to be completing my third term on the COCHF Board of Directors, where I have served as both Vice President and President. This experience has given me valuable insight into the broader co op housing sector and strengthened my ability to collaborate with fellow board members. I have contributed to strategic planning, participated in hiring processes, and helped plan our AGM and ABM events. Whenever support is needed, I am always willing to step forward.

I ask for your vote in the upcoming election. As a long standing co op member with deep experience in the housing sector, I am committed to representing the wishes of our community and supporting strong, democratic governance. If elected, I will work to ensure that members’ voices are heard, respected, and reflected in the decisions that shape our future.

https://youtube.com/shorts/3J1NSSBtEOk?feature=share

Hello! My name is Laura Williams, I am putting my name forward for a second term as the Prairie -Saskatchewan/Manitoba seat on the CHFC Board of Directors.

I would like to share a little bit about myself with you all.

I grew up in Manitoba housing most of my life here in Winnipeg. In my mid 20’s, I lived 4 years in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan while attending post-secondary education.

I am a single mom of 2 girls, we currently live in Winnipeg Manitoba at Village Canadian Coop, River Road site. We have had the opportunity of living here since March 2014. Since joining the membership here, we have enjoyed the family-friendly environment it provides, as well as the willingness to contribute and help others.

By moving into the coop, I have experienced the difference between living in Manitoba Housing and Cooperative Living. Manitoba housing is a system that does not allow room for growth, where cooperative housing provides an opportunity for people of all walks of life to not only find an affordable home but also a place to promote growth and living in a safe community.

Watching my two girls thrive and grow in the coop community, they have experienced the cooperative way of living. By this experience, my daughter has also chosen this community for her new home, and moved into her own unit 2 years ago.

In the summer of 2020, I joined the Village Canadian Board of Directors. I served 2 years as treasurer, and this past 3 years I served as Vice President. I come with experience from the social service field, working with adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. In my current position as Coordinator, I onboard potential Home Share Providers who want a person living with disabilities to share their home. In this role I work in conjunction with the city and provide oversite to ensure these homes maintain licensing standards.

I have experience serving on a Co-op Board with a local daycare since 2016 as Chairperson for the past 3 years. More recently, I will be concluding my 2-year term as the Saskatchewan/ Manitoba Representative on the CHF Board of Directors.

I have sat on the Respectful Workplace Committee for 10 years at my work organization. I recently joined the Manitoba Cooperators Insurance board as an acting delegate for Manitoba.

I see this position as an opportunity to work together to develop “Coop Housing for All’. By representing the prairies, I will take time to visit and get to know the communities at large, by bridging the gap and building relationships.

I agree with the movement, solving the housing crisis in Canada is growing the public awareness about the affordability, sustainability, and community of Cooperative Housing, this is a firm foundation to moving forward.

https://youtube.com/shorts/yt53T4h5fnc

I am writing to formally express my interest in serving with CHF Canada. Having lived in Northern Ontario for over 20 years and raised my family within Pawating Co-op, I have a deep-rooted belief in the power of co-operative housing to build strong, resilient communities.

My recent experience as Treasurer and Board Director at Pawating has given me a sharp eye for fiscal responsibility. However, my most significant contribution to the sector has been my work on the Amalgamation Steering Committee. Navigating the merger of four distinct co-operatives into a single, unified identity required more than just financial oversight; it required diplomacy, vision, and a commitment to ensuring no member was left behind in the transition.

Being selected as an inaugural Board Member for this new entity has solidified my desire to advocate for the co-op movement at a national level. I bring a unique " Northern" perspective to the table - one that understands the specific logistical and economic challenges of our region.

If elected my priorities will be:

• Strengthening Municipal Ties : Leveraging my existing working relationship with Sault Ste Marie DDSAB and municipal service managers to ensure co-ops remain a priority in local housing strategies.
• Supporting Sustainable Growth: Drawing on my merger experience to help other co-ops explore creative partnerships and administrative efficiencies.
• Regional Advocacy: Ensuring that the voices of Northern Ontario co-operators are heard and represented in national policy discussions.

I am eager to bring my blend of financial stewardship and boots-on-the-ground experience to CHF Canada to help ensure the future of co-operative housing for the next generation.

https://youtu.be/jn9nE5Lpqxs

I have been fortunate to serve Co-op members locally, regionally, provincially, and most recently federally, sitting on CHF’s Finance and Audit Committee as a member at large. It is this position that I am writing about today. I am seeking re-election after completing my term.

I have also faced adversity; I was diagnosed with MS; but also, I have glaucoma. I am learning how to adapt and thrive with an inner strength. I have also gotten to work on my empathy to better understand others‘ diverse needs and opinions.

Related Volunteer Work/experience:

• Finance and Audit Committee - 6 years
• Ontario Council - 5 years
• Business Admin 2-year Diploma
• Lead and Team Auditor. Training in 5 Standards and involved in over 20 audits
• Project management work
• Participating in budget cycles for over 20 years

https://youtu.be/WhGunqLvNuU