Three key takeaways from the 2025 CREA AGM.

But the weather wasn’t the only unexpected twist of the day. At the AGM, some conversations were fairly predictable but others were surprising, with discussions around shifting industry dynamics, and an energized focus on the future of organized real estate.

Among motions, and more than a few coffees, the hottest topic on the floor was CREA’s proposed $75 special assessment to help fund legal battles: the Sunderland lawsuit, the McFall situation and the ongoing "friendly chat" with the Competition Bureau. CREA’s position on the lawsuits? They will continue fighting this litigation.

Spoiler alert: voting delegates said “nope.” But regardless of the outcomes of the votes, here are my key take-aways from the CREA AGM.

1. Building community goes far beyond building homes.

Kandice Henry, from Brampton, Ontario was recognized for her unwavering commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Kandice has positively impacted the lives of over 400 youth through her work as the founder of Shining Lighte Youth Charity (SLYC). Her organization empowers and heals underprivileged youth who face racialized and impoverished circumstances.

Her story – from volunteering with the justice system to leading grassroots programs for underserved youth – reminds us that real estate is about so much more than transactions; it’s about showing up, lifting others and creating generational change. I needed my tissues watching her video and witnessing her acceptance.

2. New CREA memberships are now 2.5 times the price.

This motion sets to increase the new member initiation fee from $200 to $500 passed by a slim margin. This helps boost funding, which isn’t a bad thing, and this increase is long overdue. New memberships also include returning members who have been out of the industry for more than 24 months.

3. Members say "pass" to CREA’s $75 per-member fee.

The elephant in the room, though, was CREA’s proposal of a $75 special assessment for all members.

Voting delegates across Canada narrowly voted against a proposed $75 per-member fee that would have added $12 million to the association’s legal defence fund. The fee was meant to help cover soaring legal costs tied to high-profile commission lawsuits and an ongoing Competition Bureau investigation.

While some industry leaders saw the vote as a push for CREA to better manage its existing resources, others viewed it as a call to innovate and lead boldly during a time of uncertainty.

With legal challenges growing across North America, CREA now faces the task of finding new ways to fund its legal efforts without putting additional strain on its members.

Let’s break down the motion.

The pitch? A one-time, per-member charge to keep the litigation train chugging. The vibe? We aren’t sure if this actually will be a one-time thing.

We don’t know what the outcome could possibly be of this litigation, because in the US, if you recall, NAR settled. And so did RE/MAX Canada to the tune of $7.8 million.

But when a business walks into the bank asking for funding, they don’t just slide a Post-it note across the table that says: “Trust us, we need this money for this important thing.” There’s a pitch deck, projections, risk assessments and a whole lot of accountability baked in before a dollar moves.

I want to be clear, I am pro-payment. I typically don’t require a tonne of information before I “feel” something is a good idea. This is a good idea to me and I see its benefit. Logically and financially it makes sense.

For less than a Starbucks latte a month over the course of the year, the membership could have had over $10 million in litigation funds. That’s not a small amount. Whether it’s about confidence in leadership, demand for transparency or a deeper call for innovation, one thing is clear: the vote wasn’t just about money. It was about vision.

Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association CEO Chris Guérette viewed the failed levy not as a rejection of legal support, but as a call for CREA to step up its performance. She believes members still support defending the industry, but they’re demanding more accountability, innovation and efficiency from leadership. In her eyes, this moment gives CREA a clear mandate to take bold action and lead through change. So, let me play devil’s advocate for a moment and ask:

• How much has already been spent… and how’s that going for us? Have we seen any real “wins” thus far?
• Is there a legal strategy here or is this just a very expensive, reactive game of “whack-a-mole”?

In conclusion.

While CREA may not have gotten the vote it wanted, the message is clear: before passing the plate, show the membership what’s on the menu.

Until then, they’ll be here – selling homes, fighting for clients and trying to avoid lawsuits.