We are pleased to share with our Canadian real estate colleagues OREA’s Fighting for Fair Housing report.
The housing affordability crisis is a growing problem across Canada, one that is disproportionately affecting BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities who experience higher barriers to housing attainment due to historically discriminatory practices and social injustices that are still being perpetuated in today’s housing market.
A majority of both consumers and REALTORS® believe Ontario’s rental process suffers from discrimination: 93% of Black REALTORS® and 60% of all consumers surveyed believe discrimination exists in the rental process, according to OREA’s research conducted in partnership with Ipsos. In fact, 4 in 10 REALTORS® say they’ve seen a rental deal fall through due to discrimination.
Through research and consultations with Brokerages, REALTORS®, government officials, regulators, consumers, sector-related organizations, and Ontarians, the Fighting for Fair Housing report makes 19 recommendations to eliminate racism and inequality in real estate and housing that address three broad areas:
- Public Policy: Influencing public policies and decision-makers to address systemic racism and discrimination.
- Real Estate Industry: Engaging key organizations in the real estate sector, REALTORS®, and consumers to facilitate a racism and discrimination free real estate industry.
- OREA Governance & Operations: Imbuing equity, diversity and inclusion into how OREA governs and operates and model the change that we want to see.
In order to increase BIPOC representation in leadership positions within OREA, local real estate boards and associations, and brokerages, OREA will also be taking steps to review its internal governance structures, board and committee selection processes, policies, and more.
To read the full report and all 19 recommendations, visit orea.com/News-and-Events/FairHousingReport
Stacey Evoy
President
Ontario Real Estate Association
Brampton Real Estate Board 