Government Relations

Policies set by governments at the municipal, provincial and federal levels can have a profound impact on housing opportunities and on the real estate profession. As a result, Victoria's REALTORS® are actively involved in government relations activities through the Victoria Real Estate Board's Government Liaison Committee.

A key role of the Committee is to act as a liaison between the Victoria Real Estate Board, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). The Committee encourages these organizations to make timely, relevant and effective representations to government. The Committee aims to build rapport and maintain communication between the Board and members of political parties and government officials at all three levels. The Committee also liaises with all levels of government and government authorities that have a mandate that affects the real estate profession.

Some examples of the government relations activities undertaken by Victoria Realtors include:

• Municipal level - encourage local governments to consider increased legalization of secondary suites with sensitivity to community wishes.
• Provincial level - submitted to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services to reduce the impact of the Property Transfer Tax and enable more people to enter the housing market.
• Federal level - encourage the government to offer incentives for the construction of affordable rental accommodation and increase the amount of RRSP funds that people can use to help buy a home.