CEO, Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC

 For over a decade, M.J. Whitemarsh has been at the helm of the Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC).  CHBA BC is the voice of the residential construction industry in BC.  The association is founded on a singular vision of  building a vital housing industry that fosters innovation, increases professionalism, and provides affordable, quality communities for all British Columbians.  As CEO, M.J. has spearheaded numerous key initiatives, including the progression of sustainable construction through their Built Green BC program and towards mandatory, industry-led certified education and training.  

 M.J. was instrumental in the creation of the Residential Construction Industry Training Organization (RCITO) to promote, develop, and manage the delivery of effective industry training and trades qualifications in BC.  Additionally, through her work with industry partners, she led the development of the first new trade credential in Canada, the Residential construction Framing Technician (RCFT). 

 During M.J.’s 30-year affiliation with the CHBA she has chaired and participated in many industry boards, tasks forces and committees including, member of the Homeowner Protection Office's Provincial Advisory council, Chair of the National Labour Market Initiative Committee. M.J. sits on the Board of Directors of the Technology Education and Careers council, the Build Green Society of Canada and the construction Safety Network.  In 2008, M.J. was presented with an honourary membership to the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC and she holds the distinction of being the first woman President of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association.

 Prior to CHBA BC, M.J. spent over 20-years in cabinet and architectural millwork sector in both Ottawa and Vancouver, and is a graduate of Executive Marketing Program at UBC.  M.J. and her husband Bill live in North Vancouver and are proud of their three children and five grandchildren.