Marie-Josée Houle
Marie-Josée Houle is a housing advocate and musician who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. On February 3, 2022 she was appointed as Federal Housing Advocate by Minister of Housing and Diversity Ahmed Hussen. Biography She was born in Val-d'Or, Quebec and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. Music career Starting in the early 2000s, Houle hosted a radio show on Carleton University's radio station CKCU and was involved in many aspects of the Ottawa folk and independent music scene. In 2007, she released her first solo album 'Our Lady of Broken Souls' which was nominated for a Best Folk Album award. It was recorded at Little Bullhorn Productions and was produced by Dave Draves. Musicians featured include Derek Loewen on drums and percussion, Aalya Ahmad on fiddle, Rob Skitmore on guitar and mando. For her first show in Oslo, Norway, Houle opened for Norwegian sensation Girl From Saskatoon (featuring Arthur Holoein - who died in early 2012 - on string bass and Eirik Roald on cello). She quickly became friends with the band members and invited Arthur to join her for her first cross-Canada tour during the summer of 2007. Her second release 'Monsters' (2008) was also recorded at Little Bullhorn