PAC Days 2020 In Review: Bringing Canadians Closer to Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Canadians to reconsider or renew their relationship with the concept of home. For many of us, our homes have become our offices, gyms and children’s schools. For those that attended CREA’s 35^th annual—and first-ever virtual—Political Action Committee (PAC) Days, their homes transformed into their conference venues too.

On October 5, more than 500 members of the REALTOR® community gathered virtually to unpack how we can bring Canadians closer to home, while simultaneously highlighting housing as a driver of Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even with the temporary switch to a virtual venue, PAC Reps met with their Members of Parliament (MPs) to present three new REALTOR® recommendations:

1. Create homes for Canadians across the housing spectrum through a major housing stimulus program in partnership with Canadian industry to dramatically increase the supply of new homes;
2. Incentivize provincial and municipal collaboration by emphasizing housing’s place in infrastructure; and
3. Make Canadian homes more energy efficient through a green renovation program.

Thanks to all PAC Reps from @nsarrealtors who helped position housing as an important economic driver during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your efforts at #CREAPAC20 didn’t go unnoticed! #CloserToHome https://t.co/kv9OCzYj3N

— CREA | ACI (@CREA_ACI) October 16, 2020

In addition to meeting with more than 130 MPs, participants were able to hone their political savvy through an afternoon of exciting programming.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development logged in for a virtual fireside chat with CREA’s CEO Michael Bourque. Later, CREA welcomed back our exciting media panels, consisting of some of Canada’s most politically savvy—and entertaining—journalists: Chantal Hébert, Don Martin, Hélène Buzzetti, Joël-Denis Bellavance, and Rob Russo.

“Investing in housing also unlocks other forms of economic activity.” – @HonAhmedHussen #CREAPAC20 ? #CloserToHome pic.twitter.com/iXnEFLA1nt

— CREA | ACI (@CREA_ACI) October 5, 2020

Participants also got to hear from PAC Days 2020’s exciting keynote speaker: Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors. Masai—an accomplished businessman and leader—played a key role in leading Canada’s iconic NBA franchise to its first championship in 2019. As a new Canadian, he discussed his experience making Canada his home and the importance of building communities.

Who said having a virtual conference meant the downfall of the selfie? REALTORS® and MPs alike debunked that myth, with their cameras at the ready throughout the conference. If you missed out on any part of the conference, you can still catch highlights on social media using #CloserToHome and #CREAPAC20.

Not a bad spot from which to be attending CREA’s 35th (first virtual) Political Action Days! So proud to be a REALTOR ® helping Canadians get “Closer To Home” with housing being so important to the Canadian economy. #CREAPAC20 #CloserToHome #ProudREALTOR pic.twitter.com/hYo4I80nSx

— James Mabey (@MabeyAHome) October 5, 2020

Thank you to everyone who attended our 35^th annual PAC Days—we hope to see you all next year. Whether you were able to log in or not, make sure to check out our 2020 REALTOR® Recommendations and stay tuned to https://www.realtoractionnetwork.ca/ for future government relations updates.