As CEO of Century Initiative, Lisa Lalande leads ambitious efforts to secure Canada’s long-term prosperity through smart, responsible population growth. She has been instrumental in shaping critical national conversations on immigration, housing, and childcare while informing transformative policy changes. Among her key achievements is the creation of the National Scorecard on Growth and Prosperity, a vital tool that measures Canada’s progress across socio-economic indicators and equips decision-makers with actionable insights. Lisa also played a pivotal role in advocating for a national childcare system, a transformative initiative that supports workforce equity and economic resilience. In addition, she has led research and advocacy to position immigration as a cornerstone of smart growth, emphasizing its critical role in economic development, demographic renewal, and cultural diversity. Her work exemplifies bold, evidence-based strategies to address Canada’s most pressing challenges and build a stronger, more inclusive future.
Prior to Century Initiative, Lisa led transformative projects at The Mowat Centre's Not-for-Profit Research Hub at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, to improve the use of data and research in driving better social outcomes. She co-authored ChangeWork, which seeded the movement for decent work in Canada’s nonprofit sector, resulting in new policies and funding to address equity for women and marginalized communities. Her advocacy informed legislative reforms for charities and enhanced Canada’s evidence ecosystem through innovative frameworks and impact measurement practices. By empowering decision-makers with tools and data, Lisa’s work advanced practical, sustainable solutions to complex policy issues.
In various leadership roles at Habitat for Humanity in Canada, Lisa oversaw groundbreaking programs that expanded access to affordable housing, including The Meaning of Home contest, which has now impacted over 100,000 students across the country, raised over $2.3 million and helped local Habitats in 42 communities. She supported the development of an Indigenous Housing Partnership, spearheaded the development of an environmental building and supply chain management program, and delivered operational efficiencies that significantly boosted service delivery across the country. Throughout her career, Lisa has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to driving inclusive growth, empowering decision-makers, and celebrating Canada’s diversity through forward-thinking, collaborative leadership.
Lisa's work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including accolades for corporate social responsibility, marketing excellence, and urban leadership, and she was most recently honored with the prestigious King’s Coronation Medal for her commitment to community service.
