Karl Wieler

Accomplished executive and Elder of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation with over 30 years of leadership in commercial lending, real estate, project finance, and Indigenous community engagement. Supported strategic vision and execution for major agencies, aligning objectives with Indigenous partners and infrastructure projects. Championed innovative financing and expansion of Indigenous Financing Programs, enabling access to capital for large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

Structured and negotiated joint ventures and long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities, delivering measurable outcomes in affordable housing and economic development. Built and led high-performing teams in government and matrixed environments, providing mentorship and fostering a culture of collaboration and operational excellence. Recognized for deep cultural sensitivity, exceptional communication, and strategic leadership, with a proven track record in program development, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.

Group Product Manager, Indigenous Lending & Acquisition - CIBC - RESL Alternate Channels & Strategic Initiatives

(2021-01)

• Led the design and launch of CIBC's inaugural Indigenous Housing Loan Program (IHLP), delivering on-reserve housing solutions in partnership with 65 First Nations and supporting 196 Indigenous families.
• Broadened CIBC's portfolio to include Ministerial Loan Guarantee (MLG) and Leasehold housing products, supporting over 9,600 homes and $13.5B in project value across 27 sites.
• Oversaw the launch of CIBC's Indigenous Lending Website, providing customized personal financial products for Indigenous clients.
• Built and managed strategic partnerships with Indigenous governments, ISC, CMHC, and community stakeholders.
• Developed a customized $100 MM mortgage lending product for nine (9) Cree Nations of northern Quebec building 70 homes to date.
• Delivered measurable outcomes in affordable housing, economic development, and wealth creation for Indigenous communities.

Senior Investment Leader / Indigenous Infrastructure Program - Ryerson University / Future Skills Centre

(2019-01 - 2021-12)

• Supported the development and execution of strategic vision, aligning objectives with Indigenous partners and infrastructure projects.
• Championed innovative project financing, maximizing resources and program impact.
• Led administration and expansion of Indigenous Financing Program, enabling access to capital for major infrastructure initiatives.
• Structured and negotiated innovative joint ventures, co-investments, and long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities.
• Established the Land-based activity monetization certificate program in collaboration with Yukon University.

Team Lead – Project Management - Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT)

(2013-01 - 2018-12)

• Managed the full lifecycle of over 100 MTCU-funded projects with a $120M annual budget.
• Oversaw Indigenous-focused research and pathway development initiatives.

Program Officer, GTA Aboriginal Housing Program - Miziwe Biik Development Corporation

(2007-01 - 2012-12)

• Delivered affordable housing for Indigenous families through a $3.73M project with Nishnawbe Homes, designed by the Indigenous-led firm Two Row Architect in Toronto and completed in 2012.
• Drafted and managed the RFP process and supervised program staff throughout the project.

Senior Project Lead - Canadian Opera House Corporation

(2002-01 - 2006-12)

• Led project administration for the $181 million Four Seasons Centre, coordinating stakeholder engagement and managing complex project schedules to ensure successful delivery and alignment with organizational objectives.

Senior Project Manager - University Health Network / Toronto General Hospital

(1999-01 - 2002-12)

• Led project planning, design, and execution in partnership with engineering, architectural, and construction consultants.
• Managed demolition and replacement of major hospital wings, including the $35M R. Fraser Elliott Building and the $107M New Clinical Services Building.

Senior Contract Administrator, Project Procurement - Toronto Transit Commission

(1995-01 - 1999-12)

• Supported the $1B Sheppard Subway Expansion through procurement activities, a highlight being the inclusion of Indigenous art installations.

Senior Properties and Project Manager - Swig, Wieler and Arnow Management Co.

(1991-01 - 1994-12)

• Managed a portfolio valued at over $1 billion and spanning more than 11 million square feet of prestigious commercial properties across New York, San Francisco, and Houston.
• Coordinated major asset divestments and led negotiations with Indigenous and government stakeholders.

Principal - Wieler LLC / Live in a Work of Art

(1988-01 - 2007-12)

• Managed and developed a modern homebuilder specializing in architect-designed modular homes, combining advanced prefabricated construction with sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborated with renowned architects to deliver customizable, high-quality residences—including the exclusive Rapson Greenbelt Houses and Wieler home neighborhoods—making modern design accessible to a broad range of homebuyers.

BA - School of Business - Carleton University (1990-12)

Advanced Project Management, Leadership, and Delivery - Harvard School of Business (1994-12)

Infrastructure Finance, Executive Education Leadership, Public Sector Management - Harvard School of Business (1995-12)