Impact, Collaboration and Connection: Why You Should Apply to Join a CREA Committee

Applications are now open for the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) 2027-2028 volunteer committees. The deadline for applications is Monday, November 23, 2026, at midnight. 

Joining a CREA committee is an opportunity to share your experience, contribute your expertise and help shape the future of your profession.

Whether you’ve been a REALTOR® for one year or 20, live in Labrador or Nanaimo, there’s an opportunity to get involved. Applications are open to REALTORS® in good standing, as well as staff at local and provincial real estate boards and associations.

There are eight volunteer committees accepting applications; five board committees and three operational committees.

Board Committees 

• Audit and Risk Management Committee: Develops and implements an annual work plan to appoint an external auditor and oversee the audit process.
• Federal Affairs Committee: Provides strategic direction on federal policies, programs and initiatives that promote ownership and investment in real estate and protect the interests of home buyers, property owners and REALTORS®.
• Finance Committee: Reviews, monitors and provides guidance and recommendations to CREA's Board of Directors on the association's financial stewardship.
• Governance and Bylaws Committee: Develops and implements an annual work plan to improve the Board of Directors' governance policies and practices.
• Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee: Serves as a resource to CREA's Board of Directors on ESG-related matters, providing strategic direction on policies, practices and programs that address ESG issues, risks and opportunities.

Operational Committees 

• Association Executives Committee: Serves as a resource to CREA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in promoting and encouraging high standards among Association Executives Network (AEN) affiliates and the organizations they administer.
• Marketing and Communications Committee: Provides strategic advice and feedback on CREA's marketing and communications priorities, helping strengthen the REALTOR® brand, CREA's reputation and the effectiveness of major marketing and communications initiatives.
• REALTOR® Code and Professionalism Committee: Advises CREA on matters related to professionalism across the Canadian real estate industry, including the implementation, content and application of the ethical and professional standards set out in the REALTOR® Code.

Those eligible can apply for and serve on two board committees and two operational committees. Full terms of reference for each committee are available on CREA.ca. 

Why join a committee?

Each committee has a distinct mandate, and every volunteer has their own reasons for getting involved. As those who have served on CREA committees can attest, the experience can offer personal and professional benefits that extend beyond the committee's specific responsibilities.

Make an impact at the national level

Serving on a CREA committee gives you an opportunity to share your expertise and contribute to decisions that affect REALTORS® and the real estate industry across Canada.

Whether it's providing input on federal housing policy, supporting CREA's marketing initiatives, helping strengthen governance practices, or supporting the REALTOR® Code and professionalism, committee volunteers play an important role in guiding the work of the national association.

If you want to create change, make a difference and leave the industry better than you found it, this is where it begins. Committees are where ideas turn into action and where your voice can shape the future of real estate.”

Garry Bhaura, 2026-2027 CREA Chair

Connect and collaborate with peers across Canada

Joining a CREA committee is an opportunity to connect with REALTORS® and association staff from across the country, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Working alongside people with different backgrounds and experiences can introduce new perspectives and approaches to challenges facing the industry. It can also help you build relationships and gain knowledge that you can apply to your own business or association.

From my very first meeting as a CREA ambassador, collaborating with the CREA marketing team and their agency partners, I was inspired. I immediately connected with their vision and found myself both contributing and learning in meaningful ways.”

Greg Hamre, REALTOR® and salesperson, RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Marketing and Communications Committee Member

Build skills and grow as a leader

Serving on a volunteer committee offers opportunities to develop skills and experience beyond your day-to-day responsibilities.

Participating in national-level discussions and contributing to industry initiatives can broaden your professional knowledge, strengthen your leadership abilities and provide valuable experience for those interested in future leadership roles.

I truly believe that our volunteers in organized real estate committees are also the training ground for our future leaders. So, consider putting your name forward. It’s a journey you won’t regret.”

Pauline Aunger, Broker of Record, Royal LePage Advantage, 2015 CREA President, Environmental, Social and Governance Committee Member

Ready to get involved?

Explore the committees and review their terms of reference to find an opportunity that aligns with your interests and experience. We encourage REALTORS® and association staff from across Canada to consider how their knowledge and perspectives could contribute to our work.

All applicants must complete the Leadership 100 (L100) course before applying, available for free through CREA's Learning Hub.