Emerging Housing Scholars

Ashley Wilkinson

Ashley is a Health Sciences PhD student at the University of Northern British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca Schiff. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Sciences with a specialization in Indigenous and Northern Health from Lakehead University. Ashley has several years of experience in health research related to community health and social issues for marginalized groups across diverse urban, rural, and remote geographies. She is passionate about health equity, anti-racism, and the health of racialized communities.

Jillian Ames

Jillian is a Métis from Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta. Currently, she’s working on her master’s degree in human geography at the University of Alberta. Her research project is offered to Indigenous-led community housing providers in Alberta as a vehicle for them to investigate policy matters that are relevant and useful to their organizations. Using a decolonizing theoretical approach and Indigenous research methodologies (including community-based research), she hopes to implement an innovative model in working with Indigenous peoples to address the housing challenges they see in their communities.

Jofri Issac

Jofri is a researcher who applies systems thinking approaches to study socio-ecological issues and identify leverage points to improve the system. His current research revolves around analyzing food systems, facilitating energy transitions in social housing, and addressing challenges related to energy poverty.

Erika Cizek

“After completing my BA in Geography at Carleton University where I undertook an undergraduate thesis focusing on housing affordability in rural Ottawa, I am looking forward to further pursuing my interest in the growing need for affordable housing solutions in rural Canada. I spent much of my childhood and adolescence in the Kootenays, where I have seen many families and individuals forced to move elsewhere due to a lack of rental housing. Through my research, I hope to contribute to the housing debate in my community and help make it accessible to those who wish to build their lives in this stunning natural landscape.”

Chloé Reiser

Chloé Reiser, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of New-Brunswick, Areas 1 and 3 “Dr. Reiser’s research in social and urban geography investigates the impacts of public policies and housing market transformations on vulnerable migrants’ residential trajectories. As part of the Area of Inquiry 3, her research will be focused on social inclusion in community housing with an emphasis on multicultural and newcomer communities.” “I really appreciate that research at Community Housing Canada is conducted in partnership with community housing groups. During my PhD, I too volunteered with tenants’ rights organizations in Montreal and organized many activities in co-ops and nonprofits housing, which gave me a better understanding of the real housing issues experienced by immigrant families and strengthened my commitment to the Right to Housing and the Rights of Migrants.”

Bon Swanson

Bon Swanson was Community Housing Canada’s Project Coordinator for 6 years, including the Partnership Development phase (2019-2020), and the first five years of our Partnership (2020-2025). Bon is a graduate of the University of Alberta, holding a BA in Human Geography.

“As a non-academic member of Community Housing Canada, I am excited to be given the opportunity to take part in the Emerging Housing Scholars program. I look forward to learning more about the fascinating landscape of housing in Canada and to further my career in this emerging and vitally important field.”