FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadian Centre for Housing Rights welcomes new Executive Director
TORONTO, ON (July 14, 2026) – The Board of Directors of the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Gray as the organization’s new Executive Director. Jordan will officially join CCHR on July 27, 2026.
Jordan brings 15 years of community‑based advocacy, policy development, and strategic leadership, shaped by work at every level of government in Canada as well as meaningful leadership roles across the nonprofit and charitable sector. Over the past decade, he has built a progressive leadership career in housing and Indigenous relations within the federal government.
Jordan joins CCHR from Indigenous Services Canada, where he led national operations for the First Nations On‑Reserve Housing Program. He also oversaw government backed securities and advanced blended financing solutions to build, renovate, and purchase social housing across more than 600 First Nations communities. His leadership modernized funding systems, strengthened accountability, and advanced approaches grounded in Indigenous self determination and measurable, rights based outcomes. He has previously held leadership roles with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Global Affairs Canada.
In addition to his government experience, Jordan is also a demonstrated not-for-profit leader and champion for the charitable sector. He serves on the Boards of Imagine Canada and Indigenous Youth Roots, where he has helped strengthen governance and organizational stability. Across his career, Jordan has built deep experience in intergovernmental collaboration, working with municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments to advance rights‑based housing outcomes and strengthen community‑focused systems.
“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to welcome Jordan Gray as CCHR’s next Executive Director. Jordan brings strong public policy experience, deep knowledge of housing systems, and a clear commitment to advancing the right to housing. We are confident that he will bring thoughtful, steady, and ambitious leadership to CCHR as the organization continues its important work across Canada.”
– Jack De Klerk and Scott Stirrett, Co-chairs, CCHR Board of Directors
As Canada’s leading organization advancing the right to housing, CCHR continues to work alongside renters, communities, governments, and partners to promote housing as a human right through education, advocacy, legal services, and policy reform.
“For nearly 40 years, the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights has advanced the right to safe, affordable, and accessible housing. I have long admired this front‑line organization’s unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing the equality of equity‑deserving groups, including women, newcomers, seniors, Indigenous communities, and youth. I am honoured to join CCHR and work alongside its dedicated staff, Board, partners, and supporters. Together, we will continue to confront Canada’s national housing crisis leveraging rights-based advocacy to advance housing justice for all.”
– Jordan Gray, Executive Director, CCHR
Under Jordan’s leadership, the organization looks forward to building on this work and advancing its strategic priorities.
The Board would also like to extend its sincere thanks to Mathieu Pierre Dagonas, who has served as Acting Executive Director during this leadership transition. His steady leadership, commitment to the organization, and support for staff have helped ensure continuity while the Board conducted its search for a permanent Executive Director.
“We are deeply grateful to Mathieu Pierre Dagonas for his leadership as Acting Executive Director over the past year. During a period of transition, Mat provided stability, focus, and care for the organization, its staff, and the communities CCHR serves. His commitment has strengthened CCHR and positioned the organization well for its next chapter.”
– Jack De Klerk and Scott Stirrett, Co-chairs, CCHR Board of Directors
The Board looks forward to welcoming Jordan on July 27 and working together to advance the right to housing for everyone in Canada.
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About the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights
The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) is Canada’s leading organization advancing the right to housing. Through education, legal services, policy advocacy, research, and strategic partnerships, CCHR works to ensure that everyone can access safe, adequate, and affordable housing without discrimination. By working alongside renters, communities, governments, housing providers, and service organizations across Canada, CCHR helps build a housing system that upholds housing as a human right.
For more information
Sharon Ferdinands
Communications Specialist
Canadian Centre for Housing Rights
Email: media@housingrightscanada.com