Rita Virk, a Chartered Professional Accountant of Punjabi descent, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Gregor Robertson announced on February 11.

“Rita Virk brings valuable experience in finance, risk management, and governance. Her depth of expertise and strategic insight will be a strong asset to CMHC’s Board of Directors as it advances its mandate and supports the federal government’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s housing system,” Robertson said.

The appointment comes as the Government of Canada continues its broader efforts to address the national housing crisis. Work is underway across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities nationwide, with CMHC playing a central role in shaping housing solutions in collaboration with industry partners and all levels of government.

CMHC, a federal Crown corporation, serves as a national convenor in the housing finance system. Through research, program development and delivery, and commercial operations, it contributes to the sustainability and stability of Canada’s housing sector.

The corporation’s mandate is “to promote housing affordability and choice, facilitate access to and competition and efficiency in the provision of housing finance, protect the availability of adequate funding for housing at low cost, and generally contribute to the well-being of the housing sector in the national economy.”

According to a statement from CMHC, Virk brings extensive experience in finance, risk management, and governance. She has held senior leadership and board positions across both the public and private sectors, with expertise in financial oversight, internal audit, system modernization, and Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy development.

Virk currently serves on the Departmental Audit Committee for Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. She holds a Master of Professional Accounting degree and the Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She was selected through an open, competency-based process.

The appointment reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to “strong leadership and good governance” at CMHC.

In addition to her federal advisory role, Virk has held several board and committee positions in the financial sector. She previously served as Audit Committee Chair and as a member of the People Experience Committee at Prospera Credit Union, and as Vice Chair of the Prospera Foundation Board. Prospera Credit Union employs approximately 700 people, operates 27 branches, and manages $9 billion in assets.

Her past board service also includes roles with Westminster Savings, the British Columbia Real Estate Association, Fraser Health, and the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and has expressed a strong interest in innovation and emerging technologies.

The Government of Canada, together with its partners, continues to invest in housing infrastructure aimed at building resilient, connected communities and expanding affordable housing options for Canadians, CMHC said in its statement.

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