In our society, everyone has a right to an adequate place to live. We view it as a human right in Canada and, as such, housing policy in our country is developed and enacted by our governments at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.  

One thing everyone can agree on is that there are serious issues – the speed (or lack thereof) of delivering housing, managing costs to keep housing affordable, and the fact that Canada is not building enough housing fast enough to keep up with its growing population.  

Our guest on this episode of the Critical Path is on the front lines of this critical work. Scott Aitchison is the Conservative Party of Canada's MP for Parry Sound - Muskoka and he handles the housing file in the shadow cabinet in Parliament.  

Scott discusses his unique perspective to housing policy as a former REALTOR® and mayor, the challenges of getting each level of government on the same page with housing policies, and solutions for how to address Canada’s housing crisis.  

Shifting consumer expectations and technological advancements are transforming the industry. Sound familiar? 

It’s happening everywhere, not just real estate, and the mortgage industry is no different. So, what are the changes in consumer habits and the new ways they can leverage technology for a better experience securing a mortgage? 

On this episode of the Critical Path podcast, we welcome mortgage veteran Don Scott, the founder and CEO of Frank Mortgage, to share his insights and perspectives on how the mortgage industry is shifting and how REALTORS® fit in. 

A challenging 2025 market is showing signs of emerging strength in the waning summer months. Are the signals real, or is there more at play?  

On this edition of the Critical Path podcast, we ask Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) Director of Economics and Data Analytics, Andrew Lis, to peer into his crystal ball for an idea of what the final months of the year have in store for the Greater Vancouver housing market.  

Andrew also discusses the nuances of certain statistical measures and offers insights into the most effective way to interpret and use GVR’s statistical offerings. 

Picture this: You’ve just been sued by a former client who claims you misrepresented the square footage of their basement. You hired a professional measuring company; there’s no way the measurements were wrong, right?

And now your mind is filling up with thoughts of going to court and the potential hit to your business reputation. You’re panicking, and you’re not sure what to do next.

Your very first step should be to reach out to the Real Estate Errors and Omissions Insurance Corporation (REEOIC) of BC. When REALTORS® in BC face litigation, REEOIC is there to provide you with insurance, protection, guidance, and more.

REEOIC’s Executive Officer Leslie Howatt joined the Critical Path to share more details about how coverage works, free tools all members can take advantage of, how you can protect against common pitfalls that lead to litigation, and a few of REEOIC’s more unique cases. 

It’s no secret that affordability is a major challenge in Metro Vancouver. Despite efforts from all levels of government, many Metro Vancouverites are still feeling the sting of the housing crisis.

That’s why some REALTORS® are exploring a different kind of approach.

This week, we’re joined by Larry Traverence and Joseph Maclean from Four Pillars Community Housing. They’re building what they call a Realtor-led movement to turn real estate offices into places where homeowners, small investors, and nonprofits can get expert help to add garden suites, multiplexes, or redevelop underused land.

Their goal? Train Realtors to become community housing ambassadors. It’s an ambitious vision, and one we’re unpacking in today’s conversation.

Reputation is everything in real estate.

That’s why our regulator, the BC Financial Service Authority (BCFSA) has been working on a new discussion paper called Strengthening Consumer Confidence, set to release in the coming weeks.

This paper outlines many ways BCFSA will be looking to reassess our current regulatory system to increase consumer confidence in the market. It’s a meaty topic, and that’s why we invited BCFSA CEO Tolga Yalkin to give us a preview of the paper, and what their priorities will be.

Cybersecurity is one of the biggest, and fastest growing threats facing businesses today, and our profession is a prime target for cyber criminals.

In a recent report examining real estate brokerages in BC, most were found to be significantly below average when it came to cybersecurity, and over a quarter were found to be critically at risk for an attack.

That’s why the Real Estate Errors and Omissions Insurance Corporation has partnered with globally-recognized cybersecurity company Dynarisk to offer free tools to all REALTORS® and brokers across BC to help mitigate these risks.

In this episode of the Critical Path, we sit down with Andrew Martin, CEO of Dynarisk, to talk about cybersecurity, and what Realtors can do to keep their data, and their clients’ data, safe from hackers. 

The Account Executive model is a key component of the Service Re-Imagined initiative at Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR). The role will blaze a new trail for the way GVR engages and supports our broker community.

As GVR's first Account Executive, Brian Spencer will lead the way. Brian's a former Realtor who brings extensive insider knowledge to his new role along with a drive to enhance member professionalism through tailored support.

In this episode of the Critical Path, Brian walks us through what members can expect from GVR's Account Executives now and in the future. 

The paths women in real estate tread can be very different than that of men. From personal safety issues and gender bias, to navigating invisible labour, there are unique challenges to becoming successful that all women face.

The Canadian Women in Real Estate Foundation, known as CWIRE, is building a community and offering women the resources and tools they need to find success in their real estate businesses. CWIRE's founder, North Vancouver REALTOR® Jacquie McCarnan, joined the Critical Path to discuss these issues and more.

Last year saw a pivotal shift in our profession, laying the groundwork for a future where we strive to set the standard for professionalism and innovation.

To do that, GVR is working through a process called Service Re-Imagined, which launched last year. This process will fundamentally shift the way your professional association operates to better serve you and your clients.

In our latest Critical Path, we sit down with GVR CEO Jeff King to discuss Service Re-Imagined, and give you an update on what you can expect to see in 2025.