Indigenous Caucus Social & Networking | Sunday, April 19, 6:00-9:00pm | Emera Innovation Exchange
Come together with members of the Indigenous Caucus for an evening of socializing and networking. This event is open to all who purchase a ticket upon registration.
Atlantic Connection: Whaddayat housers? | Monday April 20, 12:00-5:00pm
Hosted by 
  
Co-hosted by CMHC's Expert Community on Housing (ECoH) Atlantic Community of Practice and the Community Housing Transformation Centre, join in a special Atlantic Canada afternoon of sharing innovative initiatives and networking with your peers.
This interactive half-day workshop explores the transformations needed for community housing to grow and strengthen in Atlantic Canada, with the long-term goal of reaching a 20% share of the housing system.
The session will combine short presentations and collaborative discussions to highlight innovative approaches emerging across the sector. Speakers will share practical experiences related to partnerships with governments and alternative funders, mobilizing boards for change, social economy approaches, and adapting organizations to serve increasingly diverse communities.
Participants will then work together to explore how these ideas can translate into concrete change within their own organizations and the broader housing ecosystem.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of sector challenges and opportunities, along with practical ideas and a first draft of a theory of change to guide their organization’s future development.
This activity is free for all housers working in Atlantic provinces. It also includes lunch and refreshments.
Welcome Party | Monday, April 20 6:00-9:00pm | Delta Hotel, Harbourfront Ballroom
Sponsored by the City of St. John's   
Come together with your colleagues for a mix-and-mingle cocktail reception. Brush up on your networking skills, catch up with old friends and make some new ones at this popular event that kicks off the social side of Congress.
Congress Kick-off and Keynote Address | Tuesday, April 21, 8:30-10:00am
Join us to start Congress off right with special guests and speakers.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Andrew Boozary, primary care physician, policy practitioner, researcher, and founding executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the University Health Network
As the driving force behind Dunn House, Canada’s first social medicine housing initiative, he has been a leader in integrating health care and housing to address the social determinants of health. His work focuses on advancing health equity and improving outcomes for underserved populations.
Dr. Boozary completed his medical training at the University of Toronto and health policy training at Princeton and Harvard. He has served in senior advisory roles for policymakers at various levels of government, shaping public policy on primary care reform and pharmacare. He is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Public Health Review and holds the Dalla Lana Professorship in Policy Innovation at the University of Toronto.
Recognized for his impact in health equity and social justice, Dr. Boozary is a Clarkson Laureate for Public Service and recipient of the Louise Lemieux-Charles Health System Leadership Award. His writing and analysis appear in high-impact academic journals and major media outlets. In 2025, he was appointed Clinical Lead, Population Health at Ontario Health, where he continues to drive innovation at the intersection of health systems and social policy.
Beers with Queers | Tuesday, April 21, 5:15-6:30pm | YellowBelly Brewery, 288 Water Street
Join us for Beers with Queers (and Allies!), a welcoming and inclusive networking social taking place during CHRA Congress 2026 in St. John’s. This informal gathering is an opportunity to connect with members of the housing community who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, along with colleagues, friends, and allies who are committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging in the sector.
Whether you're looking to meet new people, reconnect with peers, or simply enjoy a relaxed conversation at the end of the day, all are encouraged to attend. Registration helps us know how much space to reserve.
The Link Up: A Black Housers Mixer | Tuesday, April 21, 5:15-6:30pm | YellowBelly Brewery, 288 Water Street
The Link Up is a casual social gathering for Black housing professionals and allies to connect, unwind, and spend time together in a relaxed setting.
Join for conversation, connection, and good company.
Rally in the Alley | Tuesday, April 21, 7:00pm | Starting Point: St. John’s Convention Centre
Sponsored by NEC Software Solutions   
George Street is the vibrant heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland. This little street is the perfect setting for your group’s unforgettable social night. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, George Street boasts North America’s highest concentration of bars and pubs, each offering a uniquely local experience.
The evening will begin with the group meeting at the St. John’s Convention Centre (SJCC) to receive instructions and to be divided into smaller groups. Each smaller group will be led by a musician around George Street to one of 3 destinations with all of the groups meeting up at one location at the very end.
Guests will be immersed in a series of engaging cultural activities, including live traditional music, storytelling, and dancing. George Street is more than a destination—it’s an experience that showcases the charm, culture, and camaraderie of St. John’s.
Ticket prices includes a drink at each of the three stops.
CHRA Awards Presentation | Wednesday, April 22, 8:30-9:00am
Sponsored by Yardi Canada   
Join us at the beginning of the final day of Congress to recognize our 2025 CHRA Award winners! We'll celebrate recipients of the CHRA Awards program, in the following categories:
- Outstanding Program or Initiative: Organization
- Outstanding Development: Organization
- Indigenous Cultural Sustainability: Organization
- Leadership: Individual
Plenary Session | Wednesday, April 22, 9:00-10:00am
Join Build Canada Homes CEO Ana Bailão to kick off the last day of Congress 2026!
Ana Bailão is a prominent leader in housing policy and public affairs, with extensive experience in municipal government and a
proven track record in advancing affordable and sustainable development. She has been instrumental in catalyzing public and private partnerships within the housing sector and has been driving innovative solutions to the housing challenges Canadians are facing.
Previously, Ana was the Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs for Dream Unlimited Corp. At Dream, Ana was responsible for advancing Dream's affordable housing strategy and development, strengthening partnerships with government and community stakeholders, and ensuring that development projects integrate long-term affordability and sustainability.
From 2010 to 2022, she served on Toronto City Council, including five years as Deputy Mayor. As Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee and during her time on the board of Toronto Community Housing, she led major initiatives to expand affordable housing, reform zoning, and launch programs like Housing Now and CreateTO.
Before entering public office, she held senior roles in the financial and technology sectors. She has served on numerous boards, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Artscape, Toronto Public Library, and Toronto Arts Council.
Ana immigrated to Canada from Portugal at the age of 15. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.
Congress Send-Off | Wednesday, April 22, 3:30-5:00pm
Something wonderful this way comes. Don't have FOMO!
Closing Party | Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-8:00pm | O'Reilly's Pub, 13 George Street
Join us to wrap up the 2026 Congress and enjoy snacks and networking with your friends and colleagues in a casual atmosphere.
