About Build Canada Homes

Build Canada Homes is Canada's new federal agency that will build affordable homes, support builders with financing, and encourage innovative building methods – using Canadian technology, workers and lumber, and sustainable building practices.

We will focus primarily on non-market housing, supporting a mix of income needs as part of a national effort to double housing construction, restore affordability, and reduce homelessness.

We will work with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing.

We will grow the supply of affordable and community housing led by mission-driven organizations whose core purpose is to advance social, community, or equity-focussed goals. These include, but are not limited to, non-profits, co-operatives, Indigenous housing providers, and organizations supporting women, people with disabilities, newcomers, and those in need of supportive and transitional housing.

• Text description of graphic

  The image shows the housing continuum—a left-to-right spectrum of housing types in Canada, illustrating different levels of stability, support, and affordability. It begins on the far left with Homelessness, representing people without safe or stable shelter. Next is Emergency Shelter, short-term refuge for those with no immediate housing options. Moving right, Transitional Housing provides temporary accommodation to help people move from crisis toward stability. Supportive Housing follows, combining permanent housing with services for people who need ongoing support. Further along is Community Housing, non-market housing offered by non-profits, co-operatives, Indigenous, or public providers for low- and moderate-income households. Then comes Affordable Housing, homes designed to keep costs manageable for low- and middle-income households. On the far right is Market Housing, which includes private rental and homeownership where prices are set by the market.

  Build Canada Homes complements other federal tools that address the far ends of the housing spectrum—such as homelessness and market housing—by focusing on the middle of the continuum. This ensures a coordinated approach that strengthens the entire housing system.

Leadership

Ana Bailão
Chief Executive Officer of Build Canada Homes

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.

Date modified:

2026-01-09