Over the course of this year’s 36-day federal election campaign, REALTORS® across the country became leaders in advocating for policies that benefit Canadian home buyers, property owners and communities.
Political Action Committee (PAC) Representatives had the opportunity to virtually un-PAC this year’s election with new and re-elected Members of Parliament (MPs) during our 36th annual PAC Days. The annual conference was once again, held virtually on October 25 and 26, 2021. This year, more than 350 people attended PAC Days.
REALTORS® and the community of real estate boards and associations successfully ensured housing affordability and supply were top of mind during the election. Keeping that momentum going was a major at this year’s conference. PAC Days 2021 provided a unique opportunity for PAC Reps to highlight to the new Parliament the issue of housing supply and the continued importance of working towards a more sustainable housing sector for all Canadians.
Let’s look at what took place during PAC Days 2021.
Exciting speakers and panels
With a full day of programing, PAC Days 2021 provided a well-rounded perspective of what went down during the 2021 federal election. Featuring top-level political columnists, media experts and political strategists, PAC Reps had the chance to enjoy conference favourites such as the Inside the Political Backrooms panel, featuring Kathleen Monk, Tim Powers, and Amanda Alvaro, and the PAC Days Media Panel, featuring Chantal Hébert, Don Martin and Rob Russo.
In addition to these entertaining and informative panels, the day also featured a keynote presentation from former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. PAC Reps also got the opportunity to hear from the current leader of the NDP, Jagmeet Singh, when CREA Chair, Cliff Stevenson spoke to him about the 2021 federal election, the NDP’s housing platform, and government promises to address the housing crisis.
“If you don’t solve the housing problem, people can’t move into these communities that actually need workers and new Canadians to come,” says @NDP Party Leader @theJagmeetSingh. #CREAPAC21 #SupplyIsInDemand pic.twitter.com/eJhvUlKHMg
— CREA | ACI (@CREA_ACI) October 25, 2021
Fully virtual MP meetings
Similar to last year’s PAC Days, the event took place over two days but this year more than 80 virtual MP meetings were held. Prior to these meetings, PAC Reps were briefed on REALTOR® recommendations and were equipped with the information they needed to discuss housing challenges affecting homeowners across the country.
Ministry of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Announced
While REALTORS® met with MPs on Day 2 of PAC Days, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the creation of the Ministry of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion during the cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
This appointment is recognition of the urgent nature of the housing crisis in Canada, and we look forward to our continued work with Minister Hussen to develop policies to address housing supply and affordability in Canada.
We’re delighted that housing has been elevated in Cabinet. This is a recognition of the urgent nature of the housing crisis. We look forward to continuing our work with @HonAhmedHussen to develop policies to address housing supply and affordability in Canada. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/cM2xSqFu0x
— CREA | ACI (@CREA_ACI) October 26, 2021
REALTOR® resources
For details on the conference, including preparation materials, visit the REALTOR® Action Network (RAN). PAC Reps have access to our PAC Rep booklet, which includes FAQs, talking points, policy proposals and other resources.
You can also visit the PAC Days 2021 event page on REALTOR Link® for more information.
