Good morning! I received the following exciting legal update from Liz last night. She's asked me to post it here to keep you informed. Today is a great day to have a great day! 

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Good evening,

I am glad to provide you with an additional update with respect to legal steps taken concerning the mandatory ORWP. (Apologies if you are receiving this in duplicate.)

 

On November 27, 2023, seven OREA members applied to Canada’s Competition Bureau to investigate whether the scheme involving an increase in mandatory OREA dues and the ORWP constitutes tied selling or an abuse of dominance under Canadian competition law.

 

The concerns raised by the members in their filings concern three primary competition-related issues. First, does the scheme negatively impact the supply of health and insurance products to real estate brokers and real estate agents in Ontario. Second, does the scheme deprive real estate brokerage firms in Ontario from offering differentiated, attractive health and insurance benefits. Third, will the scheme cause real estate brokers and agents to exit the profession.

 

The Competition Bureau has been asked to commence an inquiry under sections 77 and 79 of the Competition Act. The concerned members are hopeful that the Competition Bureau, which has a laudable history of safeguarding competition in the real estate industry, will carefully consider the issues that have been brought forward. The extent to which the Competition Bureau takes further action may be dictated by a number of factors, including its view on whether the scheme will result in a substantial lessening of competition.

 

The concerned OREA members will cooperate fully with the Competition Bureau’s investigation as may be required.

 

We appreciate the patience of all OREA members who are following legal action being taken with respect to the mandatory ORWP. Your continued support is required to fund legal action; donations can be made directly to the legal fund via GFM or via e-transfers to nomandatoryorwp@gmail.com

 

I would like to thank everyone who contributed information, documentation, resources and positive energies to make this step possible. Your support is appreciated.

With gratitude,

Liz  

 

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Liz Polak, REALTOR®️
Century 21 Miller R.E. Ltd., Brokerage.

905-617-3556
www.lizpolakhome.ca

209 Speers rd., Oakville On. L6K-0H5