Kirstin Jensen is the Vice President of Policy, Advocacy & Relationships with the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. Kirstin leads a team of dedicated policy, technical, and government relations professionals, advocating for the industry’s objectives and engaging with government decision makers and industry stakeholders.

Kirstin previously served as an external advisor to OHBA, contributing significantly to their leadership and policy strategy during a transitional period, while she was leading her own planning, policy and strategy business, Jensen Planning, for the last year following her departure from the government.

Her extensive background includes roles such as political Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Director of Policy to the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Her focus was primarily on planning policy, zoning, and development, areas critical to the industry. Kirstin’s deep understanding of the sector is also enriched by her tenure as Manager of Planning and Government Relations at the West End Home Builders’ Association. Her early career experiences in the municipal planning departments of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines have given her a practical grasp of the local approval processes.

Kirstin’s academic credentials include a Master of Planning in Urban Development from Ryerson University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University, specializing in Canadian Politics and Public Policy, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Brock University in Political Science with a minor in Criminology.