This onboarding guide page is intended to support new members of the CHBA National Board of Directors as they begin their role. It outlines key meeting expectations, preparation requirements, access to board materials, standards of participation, and available staff support.

Meeting Schedule

Board members are expected to participate in three main annual meetings: the Fall Board Meeting in October, Day on the Hill in February, and Home Building Week in Canada in the spring (typically in May). Online meetings may also be held from time to time, as required.

You can find more detailed information about what to expect for each of these meetings/events at the links below:

• CHBA’s Fall Meetings
• Home Building Week in Canada
• Day on the Hill

Meeting Preparation

Board members should register for meetings as early as possible and book hotel accommodations with the CHBA room block promptly to help ensure availability. Meeting materials are typically made available approximately one week before each meeting and should be reviewed in advance.

Access to Board Materials

CHBA uses a Resource HUB on its website as a repository for information related to its governance and standing committee. This Resource HUB is locked down to CHBA members, and requires you to log in to access it.

In the Resource HUB you will find all of its Committee, Council, and Board meeting information, as well as key governance materials, including bylaws, articles, the strategic plan, meeting materials, and financial statements.

These resources should be reviewed regularly to support informed participation in Board discussions and decisions.

Participation and Engagement

Board members are encouraged to engage actively from the beginning of their term by contributing to discussions, asking questions, and attending national committee and council meetings where possible. Participation in these meetings helps build context and supports effective decision-making at the Board level.

Voting and Conflict of Interest

Board members are expected to vote in the best interest of the National Association. Where a conflict of interest exists or may reasonably be perceived, the Board member should abstain from voting and follow the appropriate conflict of interest procedures, which can be found in the bylaws.

Dress Code

Business or business casual attire is expected for Board meetings and related official events, unless otherwise advised.

Conduct and Safe Meeting Environment

Board members are expected to review and adhere to the CHBA Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy. All participants share responsibility for contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment at CHBA meetings and events, including after-hours activities.

Staff Support

For questions related to meeting registration, accommodations, access to materials, or other onboarding matters, Board members may contact the Interim CEO (Frank Lohmann frank.lohmann@chba.ca), the Association Services Officer (Amie Hussick amie.hussick@chba.ca), or the designated CHBA staff contact. A staff directory is also available on CHBA’s website here.

Onboarding Checklist

• Register for upcoming Board meeting(s)s and book hotel accommodations as soon as possible.
• Log in to the Members’ Resource HUB on CHBA’s website and navigate to the Board of Directors folder to review bylaws, articles of incorporation, the current strategic plan, meeting materials, and financial statements.
• Review meeting materials in advance of each Board meeting.
• Attend committee and council meetings prior to Board meetings where possible.
• Review and follow the CHBA Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy.
• Contact the Interim CEO, Association Services Officer, or designated CHBA staff contact with any questions about meetings, registration, or access to materials.