“First and foremost, let me be clear: there is no privatization happening with Realtor.ca. Realtor.ca will remain completely owned by CREA, and realtors will continue to own it through their membership in CREA.”

This is something Janice Myers, the new CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), stressed during our recent time together in Ottawa.

Aside from pressing issues — like the “privatization” of Realtor.ca, the Realtor Cooperation Policy and the commission lawsuits — we had the opportunity to discuss her career trajectory, her first 100 days in the role and her vision for the future.

The full video interview is available to watch. For transparency, only minor edits were made to ensure you can see the complete conversation and form your own judgments.

 

An industry veteran

 

Myers comes highly qualified for her role. Her background in association management and experience working with a real estate team in Vernon, British Columbia, paved the way for her position at the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board in 2001.

In 2014, a new opportunity arose: “My husband and I decided it was time for a change, and literally the next day, I got a call about the CEO position in Ottawa.” So they relocated, and for the next decade, Myers served as the CEO of the Ottawa Real Estate Board.

Prior to this interview, I talked to people who have worked with her in the past to get their perspective on her leadership.

Without exception, every single person had nothing but effusive praise. It’s a feeling of excitement for what she can do in her new role and trust in her ability to do it well.

At a time in our industry where it seems many are divided on leadership at different levels and trust in the organized side of the industry, Myers seems to buck that trend.

 

The focus as CEO

 

“My first 100 days have been focused on listening and learning,” she shares. “I’ve embarked on a listening tour, meeting with colleagues across the country, both virtually and in person, to understand their challenges and opportunities.”

While she does come with a wealth of experience, Myers has spent the last 10 years at the local board level. Now, she has to get up to speed on how it changes when it comes to the national level. For the CEO of CREA, there are three critical components of the role.

The first is advocacy.

There was no time to go slowly. Out of the gate, the team at CREA had policy recommendations in the government’s 2024 housing plan. When The Hill Times put out its list of The Top 100 Lobbyists for 2024, Myers made the list. She was very quick to point out that the team at CREA, not her, is the reason for inclusion on the list.

Enhancing and protecting the reputation of realtors is another key focus for Myers. “Reputation is vital in this environment, especially as consumers continue to press for transparency,” she states.

The third pillar of Myers’ focus is realtor and consumer technology, with Realtor.ca being a primary asset.

 

New structure for Realtor.ca 

 

“First and foremost, let me be clear: there is no privatization happening with Realtor.ca,” Janice states unequivocally. “Realtor.ca will remain completely owned by CREA, and realtors will continue to own it through their membership in CREA.”

This clarification addresses fears that Realtor.ca might be sold off or opened to outside investors.

Myers assured me that this is not the case. Instead, the focus is on maintaining control while enhancing the platform’s capabilities and ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of both consumers and realtors.

She emphasized three main points solidified by a special task force and endorsed at a special general meeting:

1. Ownership. Realtor.ca will remain wholly owned by CREA, ensuring that realtors retain ownership through their membership.
2. Governance. The platform will be managed with an independent board and as a taxable entity, allowing for greater operational flexibility.
3. Revenue reinvestment. Any profit generated will be reinvested back into the platform for the benefit of realtors and consumers alike.

“The idea is to provide Realtor.ca with the operational independence it needs to thrive and compete against heavily financed competitors,” Myers explains. “This structure allows us to diversify revenue streams, reducing our reliance on membership dues and ensuring the platform’s long-term viability.”

One of the main concerns among realtors has been how CREA plans to generate revenue from Realtor.ca without compromising its integrity or the interests of its members. Myers was clear that Realtor.ca would not sell leads to realtors. Instead, the focus is on exploring other revenue opportunities.

“We’ve identified about 30 different revenue opportunities and are narrowing down to five key areas,” she says. “These include leveraging our best-in-class data distribution capabilities, always ensuring that any data shared externally maintains the Realtor.ca brand and benefits our members.”

When pressed on whether allowing the data-distribution feed on third-party websites could lead to those websites selling leads to realtors, she emphasized that they’d make it part of the contracts not to allow that. The data-distribution feeds don’t contain member emails or contact information, and all consumer inquiries flow through Realtor.ca. This is the way it works currently, has always worked and will continue to work.

Myers highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency and cooperation with boards and associations across the country. “We want to ensure that everyone understands where these revenue opportunities are coming from and how they will benefit the entire realtor community,” she says. 

While they’re making the case for five specific revenue opportunities, Myers declined to provide them until she’s had the chance to bring them to the boards and associations first.

“We’re listening to our members and ensuring that any steps we take are in their best interest,” she assures. “Our goal is to keep Realtor.ca as the premier consumer portal in Canada, owned and operated by the industry for the industry.”

“Realtor.ca is a crucial asset for our industry,” Janice concludes. “By giving it the independence to innovate and compete, we’re ensuring it continues to serve the needs of consumers and realtors effectively. This is about building a sustainable future where our platform can grow and adapt alongside the industry.”

Keeping Realtor.ca within CREA as it currently stands as a non-profit could jeopardize its not-for-profit status. By removing Relator.ca from the not-for-profit arm of CREA, the association has more flexibility on how to generate revenue — revenue that Myers affirms will be reinvested back into the platform.

 

The Realtor Cooperation Policy

 

In addition to the potential changes with Realtor.ca, the new Realtor Cooperation Policy, which limits the use of exclusive listings, has sparked significant discussion. Few topics at REM generate as much commentary as this policy.

So I wanted to ask her about it.

“The primary driver for the new exclusive listing policy is consumer demand for transparency,” Janice begins. “We’ve seen a growing call from buyers and sellers alike for more openness in the real estate process. This policy is a response to those demands.”

The new rule mandates that any property marketed publicly must be listed on the MLS system within three days. This move aims to ensure that all consumers have fair access to property information, levelling the playing field for buyers and maintaining the integrity of the MLS system.

The policy has sparked a range of reactions from the real estate community. Some agents fear it might drive exclusive listings further underground, while others worry about the impact on marketing strategies. Janice acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the policy’s benefits.

“We understand that there are scenarios where exclusive listings can serve a purpose,” she says. “However, the policy doesn’t eliminate the possibility of exclusives. It simply ensures that once you start publicly marketing a property, it gets the broad exposure that only the MLS can provide.”

Janice highlighted that the policy strikes a balance between transparency and consumer choice. “If a seller has privacy or security concerns, they can still choose to keep their listing exclusive. The key is that once you start public marketing, it should be accessible to all potential buyers through the MLS.”

For realtors navigating this new policy, Janice advised open communication with clients. “It’s crucial to have honest conversations with your clients about their options and the benefits of MLS exposure. Realtors have an ethical duty to act in their clients’ best interests, and this policy supports that by promoting transparency and competition.”

 

Commissions

 

In the United States, there are several high-profile class-action lawsuits challenging the way real estate commissions are structured and disclosed. As a result, the U.S. real estate industry faces significant legal and regulatory challenges that could reshape its commission practices.

Myers pointed out that while the real estate industries in Canada and the U.S. share similarities, there are critical differences. “In Canada, we have a much more transparent environment regarding how buyer agents are compensated,” she explains. “Over 80 per cent of transactions in Canada involve written service agreements that clearly outline how agents are paid, ensuring transparency for all parties involved.”

One of the key distinctions Janice highlighted is the regulatory environment in Canada. “Our regulatory framework is robust and designed to protect consumers,” she says. “This includes clear guidelines on commission disclosure and the roles of buyer and seller agents.” 

The structured regulatory approach in Canada helps mitigate many of the concerns that have fueled the lawsuits in the U.S. In Canada, the existing lawsuits have not been certified as class-action to date either. 

 

Going forward

 

Janice Myers’ first 100 days as CEO of CREA have set a strong foundation for the future. Few could have stepped into this role with her level of qualification and understanding of the industry’s challenges.

Leaving the meeting, I felt confident that CREA and the industry are in capable hands. Even on issues where there might be disagreement, Myers’ openness, transparency and willingness to engage are reassuring.

I understand why those I spoke with before this interview were excited about her becoming the CEO of CREA. I’m excited to see what she can do. She’s got her work cut out for her, but all signs point to success.

 

If we do a follow-up interview with Janice Myers in 12 months, what would you hope she accomplishes in that time? Let us know in the comments.

 

Disclosure: To maintain transparency with our readers, it is important to note that CREA is an advertising partner of Real Estate Magazine. This relationship does not influence our editorial content, and CREA has never requested any specific coverage.

 

The journey of motherhood is a profound one, marked by moments of joy, growth and unexpected challenges. I know this as I speak from experience. The arrival of my new family member heralded not only a shift in daily routines but also a profound evolution of my aspirations and priorities.

For Janice Myers, CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), motherhood catalyzed a journey of self-discovery and professional growth. In a world where societal norms often dictate that motherhood should supersede professional ambition, Myers’ story challenges these preconceptions, offering hope and inspiration to working mothers everywhere.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day and honour the invaluable contributions of mothers in the workplace, Myers shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the delicate balance of career aspirations and familial responsibilities. Through her journey, she exemplifies the resilience, determination and unwavering spirit of working mothers — proving that with faith, support and determination, anything is possible.

Let’s delve into Myers’ reflections on motherhood and its huge impact on her career journey, along with her valuable insights and wisdom.

 

Natalka Falcomer (NF): You’ve undoubtedly encountered numerous career opportunities and challenges throughout your journey. How has motherhood influenced your approach to seizing these opportunities?

 

Janice Myers (JM): “Motherhood has been a guiding force in my career decisions. It has taught me that everything is a choice, and timing is paramount. There have been instances where career opportunities presented themselves, but upon careful analysis of their impact on my family, I realized they weren’t the right fit for us at that moment. And that’s okay. I’ve learned to have faith that other doors will open when the time is right.

On the flip side, motherhood has also emboldened me to pursue opportunities even when I may not feel 100 per cent qualified or ready. Women often hesitate to take the next career step because they feel they need to check every box. But sometimes, you just have to figure it out as you go along.”

 

NF: Balancing the demands of family and career can often feel like an uphill battle, leading to stress and self-doubt. What strategies have you employed to navigate this challenge?

 

JM: “The biggest challenge for me has been the constant juggling act, feeling pulled in so many directions. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’re not doing any of it well. But I’ve learned to recognize that achieving balance is an ongoing process, and what works for me may evolve over time.

Prioritization has been key — identifying what matters most in both my career and family life helps me make informed decisions and allocate my time effectively. And while I strive to stay in control, I’ve also learned to embrace the unpredictability of life’s roller coaster ride.”

 

NF: Delegation and support systems are crucial for working mothers. How have you leveraged these resources throughout your career?

 

JM: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a supportive partner and family who have played instrumental roles in my journey. When my children were young, my husband’s home-based business allowed him to be present when needed, providing invaluable support.

Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of delegation — both at work and at home. As women, we often feel the need to do it all ourselves, but sharing responsibilities alleviates pressure and allows us to focus on what truly matters.”

 

NF: Reflecting on your journey as the first female CEO of CREA, what lessons or insights do you hope to impart to other women navigating the complexities of motherhood and career advancement?

 

JM: “One particular moment stands out vividly in my memory — a moment that underscored the delicate balance of seizing opportunities while managing their impact on loved ones. It serves as a reminder that no matter how meticulously we plan, external forces can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

My hope is to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions while navigating the complexities of family life, knowing that with determination and support, anything is possible.”

 

NF: You mentioned a significant moment in your journey — attending the York Executive Program at the Schulich School of Business. Can you share more about how this experience impacted you?

 

JM: “Absolutely. Attending the York Executive Program at Schulich was a dream come true for me, but it came with its own set of challenges. I vividly remember the internal conflict I faced when considering the program. On one hand, the opportunity for professional growth was undeniable. Yet, on the other hand, the thought of being away from my children for an extended period weighed heavily on my mind.

Despite my hesitations, my parents and husband rallied behind me, urging me to seize the opportunity. Their unwavering support gave me the courage to embark on this journey, leaving behind carefully written bedtime notes and hidden presents for my children to discover in my absence.”

 

NF: How did you navigate the separation from your family during the program, and what did you learn from that experience?

 

JM: “Throughout those long weeks, maintaining regular contact with my family became a lifeline. Despite the distance, our connection remained strong through phone calls and heartfelt conversations. However, the separation still felt like an eternity, and I grappled with feelings of guilt and longing.

Yet, upon my return, I was greeted with overwhelming excitement — a warm reminder of the unwavering love and support that surrounded me. That experience taught me a valuable lesson about the delicate balance of seizing opportunities while managing their impact on our loved ones.”

 

In the broader context of workplace dynamics, Janice Myers’ narrative underscores the imperative to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of mothers as productive contributors. Rather than viewing motherhood as a hindrance to professional success, Myers’ story highlights the notion that motherhood enhances one’s capacity for leadership, resilience and innovation.

By embracing a culture that values and supports working mothers, organizations within and outside of real estate can harness the diverse perspectives and talents they bring to the table, fostering environments where both personal and professional growth thrive.

As we honour mothers this Mother’s Day and beyond, let’s champion policies and practices that empower mothers to excel in their careers while nurturing their families, recognizing their integral role in driving progress and prosperity in and out of the workplace.

 

On November 28, Ken Dekker, Ottawa Real Estate Board president, announced to members the departure of CEO Janice Myers. The announcement states she is moving on as the new CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), effective January 2, 2024.

Dekker continues, “If you have had the privilege of meeting Janice, you’ll be sad to see her go. I know I am. It’s a great consolation to know, though, that she won’t be far.”

A release from CREA announced today that Myers has accepted the role of CEO. Larry Cerqua, CREA chair, comments:

“We are delighted to welcome Janice as our new CEO, after an extensive search process. Janice is a dynamic, values-driven leader with a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record of delivery in real estate board and association leadership. CREA’s board of directors believes she is a great fit for the organization, with the right combination of skills and experience to lead it through its next phases.”

Myers brings over 20 years of experience in leadership of real estate boards, having started in 2001 as executive director of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. Throughout her career, she’s dedicated over 25 years to the not-for-profit sector.

“As the new CEO, I am proud to build on recent successes, ensuring CREA remains at the forefront of promoting a resilient and transparent real estate ecosystem, fostering trust among stakeholders, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the Canadian real estate markets,” states Myers. “Together, we will strive to create a future where housing is a fundamental human right, the interests of our members are protected, the needs of home buyers, sellers, and businesses are met with integrity, and the Canadian real estate industry continues to thrive.”

CREA’s release also notes that Myers’ influence goes beyond her executive roles, as she was recognized as one of the 50 influential women leaders in Canada in 2019 by the Real Estate Professional magazine. As well, her current role as vice chair of World Animal Protection Canada shows her dedication to broader causes.

Myers will replace interim CEO Debra Cowan, who will return to the CFO position. Michael Bourque stepped down as CEO this fall, after over five years in the position.