Canadian Real Estate Association Welcomes New Leadership Team for 2025–2026

At its 2025 Annual General Meeting in Ottawa, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) installed a new slate of officers and regional directors to guide Canada’s REALTOR® community through the year ahead.

Valérie Paquin Takes the Helm

Valérie Paquin, a REALTOR® and broker‑manager based in Blainville, Québec, was elected Chair of CREA’s 2025–2026 Board of Directors. With two decades of experience shaping industry standards—both as a volunteer leader on Greater Montreal Real Estate Board committees and as chair of numerous CREA committees—Paquin brings a proven track record of advocacy and innovation. Her commitment to volunteerism extends beyond real estate, underscoring her dedication to community well‑being.

Executive Officers

Joining Chair Paquin are:

1. Garry Bhaura, Chair‑Elect
2. Darin Germyn, Vice‑Chair
3. James Mabey, Immediate Past Chair

Together, this executive team will set strategic priorities for CREA, including strengthening REALTOR® professionalism, enhancing MLS® technology, and advocating for sustainable housing policies.

Regional Directors Across Canada

CREA’s national reach is reflected in its regional leadership:

1. Anthony Bastiaanssen – British Columbia/Yukon
2. Sarah Johnston – Alberta/Northwest Territories
3. Kourosh Doustshenas – Manitoba
4. Avril Reifferscheid – Saskatchewan
5. Winson Chan – Ontario
6. Daniel Dagenais – Québec
7. Chris Peters – Atlantic Region
8. Linnea Vandenberghe – Atlantic Region

These directors, along with four at‑large members—David Brown, David Oikle, Luc Woolsey, and Phil Moore—will represent more than 160,000 REALTORS® from coast to coast, ensuring local market insights inform national policy.

What This Means for Property Owners

For landlords and investors in Ajax and beyond, CREA’s refreshed leadership signals continued focus on:

1. Market Transparency: Enhancements to CREA’s MLS® system make it easier to track regional trends in real time.
2. Professional Standards: New training initiatives will elevate service levels across all REALTOR® offices.
3. Advocacy: A united REALTOR® voice will push for policies that support rental housing availability and affordability.

About CREA

The Canadian Real Estate Association is one of Canada’s largest single‑industry organizations, representing over 160,000 REALTORS® who contribute to the economic and social well‑being of communities nationwide. CREA advocates on behalf of property owners, buyers, and sellers, ensuring a stable and transparent marketplace.

For more information on how national real estate trends affect your rental portfolio, or to learn about our full suite of property management, contact us directly.

Source: “The Canadian Real Estate Association Installs 2025–2026 Board of Directors,” Globe Newswire