NBNPHA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024

May 23RD-25TH, 2024 | MONCTON, NB

More than 200 members, Housing NB staff, speakers, and community partners joined us in Fredericton for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration.

Together, we explored new ideas, shared sector insights, and built momentum toward stronger housing solutions for New Brunswick.

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RICHARD SAILLANT – IMPACT OF POPULATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH AND FUTURE HOUSING NEEDS OF NEW BRUNSWICK

Richard Saillant is a respected economist and policy analyst whose work has helped shape the housing conversation in New Brunswick. As author of The Housing Conundrum for the Housing Hub of New Brunswick, he has examined how population growth, labour shortages, and limited housing starts have created an affordability crisis across the province. His research highlights that solving the housing shortage requires not only investment and zoning reform, but also a renewed focus on workforce development and community partnerships. Saillant emphasizes that affordable, non-profit, and co-operative housing are essential to ensuring that growth benefits everyone, urban and rural alike. Drawing on deep provincial insight and data-driven analysis, he brings a clear, practical perspective on how housing can underpin a stronger, more inclusive New Brunswick.

“I am really happy that I came to this conference. I’ve learned a lot—including how important being part of a co-op housing board is. I’m going back to my board feeling empowered and excited to share what I’ve learned!”

“The workshops were enjoyable. The banquet was enjoyable. The entertainment was awesome!”

“Mostly flawless—timing was great, well organized, friendly helpers/staff/members. Food, rooms, and location great.”

Each year at our Annual Conference, we honour the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to strengthen New Brunswick’s non-profit housing sector. These awards recognize the dedication, innovation, and leadership that ensure safe, affordable housing remains at the heart of our communities.

Marie Anne Hachey, Chatham Non-Profit Housing

Volunteer of the Year – Alex Arseneau Award

For 37 years, Marie Anne Hachey has been a steady, guiding presence at Chatham Non-Profit Housing. Recently retired as President and long-time Chair of the Board, she has devoted decades of volunteer service to maintaining 18 units of safe, affordable housing in her community.

Marie Anne’s leadership has always been rooted in care, responsibility, and a deep commitment to Chatham Non-Profit Housing’s original vision. Even as she approached retirement at age 83, her focus remained on ensuring the organization’s long-term continuity and success, including supporting the recruitment of new board members to carry the work forward.

Her dedication, persistence, and passion for housing make her a powerful role model for the sector. Marie Anne’s decades of service exemplify what it means to support non-profit housing with heart, humility, and unwavering commitment.

Robert Tinker, Charlotte County Housing Council

INNOVATION AWARD

For 13 years, Robert Tinker has served as Coordinator of the Charlotte County Housing Council, which owns and operates 33 primarily low-income non-profit units in St. George, Saint Andrews, and St. Stephen. His work is grounded in a belief that housing is about more than a roof, it’s about dignity, skills, and opportunity.

Demonstrating both creativity and initiative, Robert recently secured funding through Working NB and partnered with NBCC and St. Stephen’s University to deliver an eight-week life skills and employability program for CCHC tenants. The course covers essential skills such as reading and writing, resume and job application preparation, budgeting and financial management, communication and collaboration, basic computer skills, adaptability, and workplace certifications like CPR, first aid, and WHMIS. Robert has also helped arrange transportation and raise additional funds to ensure tenants can fully participate.

Through these efforts, Robert is not only improving quality of life for tenants, but also opening doors to new opportunities. His commitment to practical, tenant-focused innovation reflects the spirit of this award and the values of the non-profit housing sector.

Kit Hickey,

GARY GLAUSER LEADERSHIP AWARD

Nominated by Gary Glauser, Kit Hickey embodies the kind of leadership this award was created to recognize. In her role in the non-profit housing sector, Kit has consistently had a meaningful impact by bringing people together, supporting colleagues, and modelling collaboration and respect.

Kit is known for inspiring others to think creatively about housing solutions and for encouraging teams to work in partnership with other organizations and services. Her leadership style emphasizes mentorship, shared problem-solving, and building a supportive work environment where staff, volunteers, and tenants feel heard and valued.

Through her example, Kit helps strengthen the non-profit housing sector as a whole—demonstrating that effective leadership is not only about results, but also about how we treat one another while achieving them.