How are U.S. tariffs affecting the non-profit housing sector in Canada? Join us for a timely and open conversation with a panel of experts who are on the front lines of this issue. Our four panelists will explore how current trade policies are influencing material costs, development timelines, and long-term planning—and what this means for non-profit housing providers.
This interactive session is designed to foster understanding, share sector experiences, and explore how we can respond collectively. Bring your questions and insights—attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists throughout the discussion.
Who should attend?
- Non-profit housing providers and developers
- Executive Directors & Board Members
- Policy Makers & Advocates
- Asset and Capital Planning Managers
- Procurement & Supply Chain Professionals
- Anyone interested in the intersection of trade policy and affordable housing
What will you learn?
- How U.S. tariffs are impacting construction materials and project costs across B.C.’s non-profit housing sector
- Firsthand insights from B.C.-based providers facing delays, budget challenges, and shifting timelines
- Regional trends in procurement and how they’re affecting new developments and retrofits
- Tools and strategies to strengthen resilience in capital planning and project delivery
- Ways the sector can collaborate to navigate economic pressures together
Facilitated by
Marc Lee
Senior Economist, canadian centre for policy alternatives
Marc is a Senior Economist who researches economic and social policy in B.C. and across Canada. He covers federal and provincial budgets, inequality, public services, and trade, and leads the Climate Justice Project, exploring climate and energy policy through a social justice lens. Marc holds an MA in Economics from SFU and a BA from Western, and is known for challenging conventional economic thinking. He’s a former Vice Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission and previously worked as a federal economist.
Virginia Holden
CEO, Greater victoria housing society
Virginia joined GVHS in May 2021. She spent the past 15 years working for the BC provincial government in various leadership positions dedicated to affordable housing development and policy, community engagement, and land use planning. During that time, she played key roles in the development of three provincial housing strategies, including HousingMattersBC and Homes for BC: 30 Point Plan, as well as community homelessness and encampment responses. Recently, she established her own consulting practice to provide strategy and community engagement services to housing not for profit organizations.
Jill Atkey
CEO, BC Non-profit housing association
Jill is CEO of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, bringing over 20 years of leadership and research experience in the non-profit sector. Since joining BCNPHA in 2010 and stepping into the CEO role in 2018, she has shaped housing policy and research across all levels of government. Jill led major initiatives including the Affordable Housing Plan for BC and the Canadian Rental Housing Index, and has grown the Housing Central Conference into B.C.’s leading sector forum. She is deeply committed to collaboration, inspiring teams, and advancing affordable housing across the province.
Stephen Bennett
CEO, Affordable Housing Societies
Stephen Bennett has been the CEO of Affordable Housing Societies (AHS) since 2017, leading one of British Columbia’s largest non-profit housing providers. Under his leadership, AHS has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan to expand its portfolio from 3,600 to 5,000 affordable rental units across the Lower Mainland by 2030, with approximately 600 new units currently in development. In addition to his role at AHS, Stephen serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Housing Partnership Canada and has held leadership positions with the Denominational Health Association and the Wellspring Foundation for Education.
