Heading to PAC Days? Make sure to share your journey on social media using #CREAPAC24.
From coast-to-coast-to-coast, volunteer Political Action Committee (PAC) representatives advocate for policies that encourage access to housing for all Canadians, from emergency shelter and subsidized housing to social housing, renting and homeownership in their local communities.
Once a year, these PAC Reps gather on Parliament Hill in the nation’s capital for PAC Days to meet with their local Members of Parliament (MPs) and share our latest REALTOR® recommendations.
Advocacy is a long-term effort and relies on consistent messaging and relationship-building for utmost success. With recent advocacy wins including infrastructure investment for growing communities, increasing rental apartment and housing stock, extended mortgage amortizations for first-time home buyers, and investments in pre-fabricated and modular housing, CREA is anticipating another impactful event.
This year, REALTORS® will be advocating for the three recommendations.
- Stimulate supply across the housing continuum by embracing innovation through offsite construction technologies.
- Establish a permanent mechanism to collaborate and coordinate housing policy and development, such as a national housing secretariat.
- HST/GST relief for non-profit affordable ownership housing.
If you’re not attending PAC Days, we still encourage REALTORS® to share these recommendations on social media using the hashtag #CREAPAC24.
Want to become a PAC Rep? Contact your local board or association to learn how you can get involved.
What to expect for meetings on Parliament Hill
Be Prepared
Review your MP meeting date(s) and time(s) before heading to Parliament Hill on the REALTOR® Action Network (RAN). Meeting times are subject to change, and often do. Make sure you’re double checking.
If you have any questions or concerns, visit the MP meetings booth at PAC Days or speak with a member of CREA’s Government Relations team.
Entering the Parliamentary Precinct
Review the Parliament of Canada’s Plan Your Visit webpage which is where you’ll find security/restriction measures, accessibility, and more.
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your meetings for security screenings. You must present a valid photo ID (i.e., driver’s license) before going through security. Lines are to be expected. Follow Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) officers’ directions and be patient.
Most importantly, when you get to your meeting location be sure to greet the MP’s staff and thank them for helping organize your meeting. The staff are there to facilitate your meeting, and your interactions with them are key to fostering long-term relationships with the office.
Advocate
The main objective of PAC Days is to amplify our REALTOR® recommendations with your elected officials and their staff. Make sure to review the provided materials before your meeting and ensure that you understand our collective asks. If you have questions about the recommendations, please speak to a member of CREA’s Government Relations team prior to your meeting.
If there’s one thing any good politician understands, it’s a photo op. Don’t be afraid to ask for a picture at an appropriate time and share it on social media using #CREAPAC24 and tag your MP’s account.
Finally, don’t forget to leave behind your MP Booklet!
Bonus: Invite your MP and their staff to the PAC Days Parliamentary Reception at Queen Street Fare on Monday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m.
What to expect from CREA PAC Days 2024 programming
Advocacy training
Whether it’s your first time or 10th time attending PAC Days, CREA’s Government Relations team wants you to succeed. There will be a training session on Sunday, October 20 before meetings begin, plus additional training materials to help you prepare. They’ll walk representatives through effective advocacy strategies and provide a briefing on the REALTOR® recommendations.
Download event app
New this year, we’ll be using the PheedLoop app to better communicate with attendees throughout the event. From the PAC Days program, live notifications, Q&As, to the post-event survey, the app is a must for anyone looking to stay connected.
Expert panels on topics you’ll want to learn about
Attendees can look forward to welcoming back popular and new panels including the:
- English and French media panels;
- Canadian Economists Panel;
- Inside the Political Backrooms Panel;
- Housing Innovation Panel;
- Members of Parliament (MP) panel; and more
We’re excited to introduce some new faces and interesting perspectives to these highly anticipated panels.
Interact with sponsors
Be sure to visit our sponsors at their booths or on the floor and find their promotional items in your delegate bags.
Additional information can be found in your PAC Rep Booklet. For more details on PAC Days, including registration and resources, please visit REALTORActionNetwork.com or member.CREA.ca.
