Habitat Canada invites you to the 2025 National Conference and AGM. As we celebrate 40 years of Habitat for Humanity in Canada, we face an uncertain political and economic climate that can seem overwhelming at times. Let us seize this opportunity to come together to discuss how we can best respond to the challenges we face, find new ways to maximize our impact, and ultimately, ensure our long-term sustainability, viability and relevance in Canada.
We’re excited to welcome federation members to Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city with so much to love. We hope you will join us for the Welcome Tour and Dinner – Nautical Nights and East Coast Bites, hosted by Habitat Nova Scotia on Wednesday evening.
The National Conference provides attendees with many opportunities to learn from and network with colleagues across the federation. Main stage plenary sessions include keynotes from Habitat Canada’s Pedro Barata, guest speaker Bill Carr and Habitat International’s Chief Communications Officer, Amy Dunham, who will present Habitat’s exciting new brand story. We will also celebrate our 2025 Meaning of Home winners. This year we are pleased to offer workshops on a wide range of topics – there’s sure to be something for everyone. Please check out the descriptions for each session on the workshop tab so that you can make an informed decision when you register.
On Thursday evening we will honour this year’s national award winners at the Awards Gala and Dinner. In recognition of this historic port city, the gala theme is ‘A Coastal Affair’ and attendees are encouraged to come dressed to impress. Finally on Friday, we will gather at our various forums and close things out with our Annual General Meeting. We look forward to seeing you in May. Register today!
*Si vous avez besoin de cette information en français, veuillez en informer Deanna Miller, responsable des conférences et événements nationaux, en lui envoyant un courriel à l'adresse suivante: dmiller@habitat.ca.
Brewing Connections Networking Event
Heritage Days: Scottish Nova Scotian, African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq
ReCharge Lounge
Habitat Boutique and Makers Market
Welcome Tour and Dinner: Nautical Nights and East Coast Bites
Meaning of Home Winner Presentation
Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner: A Coastal Affair
Post Conference Networking at Durty Nellys Irish Pub
One of the greatest takeaways from any conference is the new relationships that are made through networking of all kinds.
Stop by the Habitat Boutique to take some branded apparel and goodies home for your staff, volunteers, and yourself. The boutique will be open Wednesday to Friday. See agenda for full details.
Halifax is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land. Historically, a land acknowledgment is a traditional practice shared amongst Indigenous groups to recognize the Indigenous land and territory they are visiting. Today a land acknowledgement remains a way to express one’s gratitude to the Indigenous people for being stewards of the land that we live and work on.
Commonwealth Ballroom
Reception – Mezzanine - 6p.m.
Dinner and Awards – Commonwealth Ballroom – 6:45p.m.
Welcome to the National Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner! Imagine the sun on your face, the sand between your toes, and a refreshing drink in your hand as you enter into A Coastal Affair. Together we will celebrate another outstanding year of incredible achievements with dinner, awards, and live entertainment, performed by Halifax’s own Newbird and Big Fish throughout the evening and after the formal presentation.
The Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner is your chance to dress up and get into the spirit of the theme. Come dressed to impress in beach elegant attire. Don’t forget to grab your sunglasses, oversized hat or sailor’s cap and meet us by the coast!
*Cash Bars will open at 6 p.m. in the Mezzanine with doors opening to the Ballroom at 6:45 p.m.
Need some inspiration? Check out these beach elegant options.
Known as Nova Scotia’s city by the sea, Halifax is the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada, and a major port city with a rich history, natural beauty, and a lively culture.
Downtown Halifax is the urban core of the region, home to the lively Halifax waterfront which boasts one of the longest waterfront boardwalks in the world! This iconic destination offers stunning harbour views and plenty of things to do, from beer gardens and playgrounds to farmers’ markets, museums and galleries.
What are you waiting for? Discover Halifax here!
10 Things You Have to Experience in Halifax.pdf
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21….
Countless Journeys. One Canada. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971.
Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast.
Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story.
We encourage you to share your conference stories and photos using #HabitatCanadaConf2025.
Follow @HabitatCanada on LinkedIn, where we’ll be sharing conference takeaways, and big ideas from our inspiring speakers and guests.
Make sure you’re also following:
Pedro Barata - President and CEO, Habitat Canada - LinkedIn
Habitat Nova Scotia - Facebook; Instagram; LinkedIn
 |  |  |
| March 3 | Registration Opens |
| April 21 | Room Block Reservation Closes |
| April 21 | Registration Closes at 11p.m. ET |
| May 13
May 13 |
Ontario Caucus Meeting
ED CEO Session |
| May 13 | BC Caucus Meeting |
| May 13 | Brewing Connections: Networking Event |
| May 14-16 | National Conference and AGM |
There is no official dress code at the conference, but we do recommend business casual for conference activities during the day. Please remember temperatures in venue meeting rooms vary and you many want to bring a light sweater.
Nova Scotia is rich in history and culture. To honour the diversity that makes up this incredible province, we have dedicated each day and will pay tribute to the following heritages:
Scottish Nova Scotian Day –
Wednesday, May 14
Join us as we honor the rich Scottish heritage of Nova Scotia! Experience the energy of traditional Highland music and dance while celebrating the lasting influence of Scottish culture in the province. Enjoy the stirring sounds of bagpipes and fiddles, hear our National Anthem sung in Gaelic, and savor the flavors of classic Scottish fare. Whether you have Scottish roots or simply appreciate its vibrant traditions, this is a day to embrace and immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s proud Scottish legacy.
African Nova Scotian Day –
Thursday, May 15
African Nova Scotian heritage is an essential part of the province’s history and identity. This day will honor the resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Nova Scotians through music, décor, and culinary offerings. Engage with vendors, musicians, and decor that showcase the rich traditions, community strength, and historical significance of African Nova Scotians. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate a vital part of Nova Scotia’s cultural fabric.
Mi’kmaq Day – Friday, May 16
On Mi’kmaq Day, we recognize and celebrate the First People of Nova Scotia. Through traditional drumming, song, and dancing, this day will offer insight into Mi’kmaq history, culture, and ongoing contributions to the province. Join us in honoring the land, language, and wisdom of the Mi’kmaq people as we embrace a spirit of learning and reconciliation. Experience the richness of Mi’kmaq traditions and deepen your understanding of this vibrant Indigenous culture.
A big thank you to Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia for hosting this year’s National Conference and Annual General Meeting.
Habitat Nova Scotia looks forward to welcoming all conference delegates to the beautiful city of Halifax and showing you what East Coast hospitality is all about.
Stop by the Makers Market and take a little piece of Halifax home! The market will feature a great selection of local artisans throughout the week including – Pieces of Wood, BZ Cookies & Crafts, Tartan Gal Designs, Sankofa Afrikan Gifts and Indigenous Artisan Gordie Howe.
You can shop the market Wednesday through Friday from 7a.m. to 1:30p.m. in the Mezzanine.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
