After two virtual Political Action Committee (PAC) Days, we’re excited to welcome PAC Reps back to the nation’s capital this year.

PAC Days brings together designated REALTORS® volunteers (our PAC Reps) from across the country to meet with Members of Parliament (MPs) to discuss issues that affect the REALTOR® community, homeowners, renters and those who aspire to be homeowners. This year will be reenforcing the need for solutions to address the lack of housing supply in Canada. The annual conference features prominent politicians, political insiders, journalists and more.

As we prepare for REALTORS® from across Canada to take over Parliament Hill and engage with elected officials, here are a few tips to help you prepare:  

What to expect for meetings on the Hill

• Dress to impress

While pyjama pants with a button-down dress shirt might have worked in a virtual setting, this year, it won’t make the cut. The expectation for meetings on Parliament Hill is professional attire. You’ll find MPs and MP staff alike dress in suits. While you’re packing don’t forget to bring a scarf and something warm—Ottawa’s weather can be unpredictable, and chances are it might be a little cool at night.

• Entering the Parliamentary Precinct

Before entering all Parliamentary buildings, guests are required to go through a security screening. If you have more than one MP meeting in different buildings, you’ll be required to go through the screening again. This process takes time and you should account for this as you plan your meetings. For information on restricted items please visit the Parliamentary Protective Service’s website. Don’t forgot: You’ll need to show a valid piece of government-issued photo identification.

• Advocate

The main objective of PAC Days is to amplify our industry’s message with elected officials and their staff. Make sure to review the provided materials before your meeting and understand the ins and outs of our collective asks. If there’s one thing any good politician understands, it’s a photo op. Don’t be afraid to ask for a picture and share it on social media using #CREAPAC22.

Bonus: Invite your MP and their staff to the Metropolitain Brasserie on Monday, October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for our PAC Days Social to mix and mingle.

  What to expect at PAC Days

• The Long Game

Government relations is a long game. Over the last few years, thanks to our strong advocacy efforts, all levels of governments have grasped that the lack of housing supply is an issue, but we have yet to see solutions and real action to tackle the problem. That is why our recommendation for a National Housing Round Table to share best practices and align housing development goals is so important and we need to keep pressing. As is our recommendation for the federal infrastructure funds to be used to encourage the increase in housing supply across the country.

• Speakers and panels

Gather insights from our media, backrooms and MP panels. You’ll also hear from Mo Elleithee, an American political strategist who served as Hilary Clinton’s 2008 campaign senior spokesperson and Tanya Talaga, a Canadian journalist of Anishinaabe and polish descent who is a regular columnist with the Globe and Mail.

• Advocacy training

Whether it’s your first time as PAC Rep or not, CREA’s Government Relations team has you covered with a training session on the Sunday before meetings begin, plus additional training materials to help you prepare. We’ll walk you through effective advocacy strategies and a briefing on this year’s REALTOR® issues.

Catch up on past PAC Days:

• Un-PACing the Election at PAC Days 2021
• PAC Days 2020 In Review: Bringing Canadians Closer to Home
• Five Things You Need to Know About PAC Days 2020
• Rooms were PAC-ked for PAC Days 2019

For more details on PAC Days, including registration and resources, please visit REALTORActionNetwork.com or member.CREA.ca. Want to be a PAC Rep? Contact your local board or association to learn how you can get involved.

Heading to PAC Days? Make sure to share your journey on social media using #CREAPAC22.