The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) kicked off its 2014 Political Affairs Conference (PAC) on Sunday at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto. The three day event, featuring prominent politicians, journalists and commentators offers Ontario REALTORS® a unique opportunity to connect with their MPPs, enhance their understanding of provincial issues, exchange ideas and create dialogue on matters that affect the real estate industry.
“With two elections this year, OREA worked hard to influence areas that affect home buyers, REALTORS® and the real estate industry,” said Costa Poulopoulos, president of OREA. “In particular, OREA’s efforts to stop the spread of a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT) were noticed and resonated with politicians at all levels. In order to keep our messages top-of-mind, we need to continue building and strengthening relationships with folks at Queen’s Park.”
Allowing real estate professionals to incorporate their business through personal real estate corporations (PRECs) is another one of OREA’s advocacy priorities this year at Queen’s Park. In April 2014, MPP Todd Smith introduced the Tax Fairness for Realtors Act, 2014. This legislation would allow real estate salespeople to form personal corporations.
“Most professions in Ontario and real estate salespeople in other provinces can form personal corporations. We want Ontario REALTORS® to be treated fairly,” said Poulopoulos.
REALTORS® play a key role in the association’s lobbying efforts through participating in Calls-For-Action, serving on member board political action committees, and attending OREA’s annual Political Affairs Conference.
For more information on OREA’s lobby issues, visit the Government Relations section of www.orea.com.
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