CREA’s REALTOR^® Cooperation Policy that was slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, is no longer valid. A more extensive process with increased member feedback has been initiated across Canadian real estate boards and associations regarding this policy.

Policy background

Approximately one year ago, CREA invited executives from boards and associations across Canada to participate in a REALTOR^® Cooperation Working Group to better understand how the REALTOR^® brand, professionalism and systems are being used. CREA sent out a member-wide survey and conducted regional town hall meetings with the boards of directors across the country.

A white paper was commissioned by the group that focused on the cooperative selling system (MLS^® System). The results indicated that the Canadian MLS^® System continues to be the most relied upon source of transaction information for consumers in Canadian real estate.

The working group considered commentary and information from various sources, including the white paper, and developed some foundational standards related to non-MLS^® System listings.

The power of networking is strongest when REALTORS^® have complete information and a cohesive MLS^® System.

Boards across Canada will be given the opportunity to vote on the policy or any proposed amendments at the CREA Annual General Meeting in April, 2023.

We want to hear from you

Your thoughts are essential to developing CREB^®’s perspective(s) on the policy. Please consider letting CREB^® Member Practice know:

• Your thoughts about how you and your colleagues are using “Coming Soon” marketing as this policy impacts “Coming Soon” advertising.
• Your thoughts on how the proposed policy defines an exclusive listing.
• Feedback on what you’d like to see incorporated or removed from the policy.
• Elements of the policy you believe make sense for your business and the industry.
• Your fresh perspective on a different way to look at this policy.

Send your remarks to Scott Evans, CREB^® Member Compliance Officer, at crebmp@creb.ca.

We will continue to work with the membership to gather insights leading up to CREA’s AGM in April.