CREA advocates for a legislative and regulatory environment that enables REALTORS® to better serve Canadian homeowners, aspiring homeowners and communities.
Political Advocacy
Both directly and through its Political Action Committee (PAC) of REALTORS®, CREA works with federal cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, parliamentary committees, and senior officials to drive legislative and regulatory changes that benefit homeowners, aspiring homeowner and communities across the country and the Canadian economy. When issues arise that affect housing, property rights or the real estate sector, CREA engages elected officials and government to discuss solutions and make recommendations on behalf of REALTORS®. Ahead of any federal budget, CREA formally advises the government on improvements to fiscal policy that can encourage responsible economic growth.
Who are REALTORS®?
REALTORS® are real estate experts with a unique understanding of the local real estate market and their communities.
REALTORS® are entrepreneurs and business owners that work tirelessly with Canadians to find their ideal home.
REALTORS® help first-time home buyers realize their dream of homeownership.
REALTORS® play meaningful roles in the communities where they work and live. They are committed to volunteering their time and raising funds for the causes and charities close to their hearts. Between 2012 and 2017, the Canadian REALTOR® community reported giving over $131.3 million to causes dear to their hearts.
REALTORS® are more than 135,000 strong and are drivers of economic activity in Canada. In 2018 alone, resale housing transactions through the MLS® Systems generated an estimated $32 billion in spin-off consumer spending and 234,015 jobs.
REALTORS® are valued members of their communities and an integral part of the Canadian economy.
COVID-19
CREA is aware of the issues REALTORS® have been facing as they grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government relations team has been speaking to federal government departments and agencies since the early stages of this situation to ensure that there will be protections and relief for our members.
In response to our calls for significant action, the federal government has responded with measures to support individuals and businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19.
The federal government is constantly updating their website as new information is announced. Remember to check Canada’s official coronavirus webpage and CREA’s COVID-19 online hub to stay up to date.
Political Action Committee
In politics, just as in real estate, impressions last long after a deal closes. With that in mind, CREA strives to maintain open, honest and respectful dialogue with the federal government. The main mechanism for this is the PAC Network, created in 1985 to allow REALTORS® to actively engage their elected representatives.
PAC includes the President and Executive Officer of all real estate boards and associations, one or more “PAC Reps” appointed by each, and current members of the CREA Board of Directors.
PAC Reps work to relay important regional concerns to CREA, while keeping their local Members of Parliament aware of major national issues affecting the real estate industry, and regularly briefing their board or association on federal developments.
PAC Days
PAC Days is the culmination of CREA’s government relations efforts over the course of the year. This event, held annually on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, allows REALTORS® to speak directly to Members of Parliament about issues that affect homeowners and the real estate industry.
Past Successes
The PAC Network has made pivotal contributions to REALTORS’® many lobbying successes. In recent years, PAC Reps’ successful advocacy has resulted in changes to mortgage financing rules, Employment Insurance for the self-employed and the expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan.
Sustainability
REALTORS® are in the business of helping Canadians find homes, and across the country, these real estate experts know the ins and outs of the markets they work in. As such, it should come as no surprise that the effects of climate change are known to our members. In October 2020, CREA submitted an application for a position on the Sustainable Development Advisory Council on behalf of Chris Chopik.