Ontario realtors demonstrated against the mandatory life insurance and benefits program in front of Queen’s Park demanding “freedom of choice.”
As members of the provincial parliament head back to Queen’s Park on Feb. 20 after a break of 10 weeks, they were met with the chants of angry realtors outside the premises.
The governing assembly of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) agreed to create the Ontario Realtor Wellness Program (ORWP), on June 20, 2023.
Ontario Realtors chant in a bid to revoke a new mandatory insurance plan at Queen's Park. Photo credit: Aanchal Nigam
Under the program, all 96,000 members would be enrolled in an insurance and benefits plan that would change the annual membership fees to about $660 from $110.
Unlike the previous insurance plans run by OREA, the Canadian Real Estate Association or some individual localized boards, ORWP is mandatory.
Ontario realtors have disagreed with the plan changes since it was first proposed. They brought their protest to the front of the Ontario Legislature on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Chants of “ORWP must be optional,” “Revoke OREA,” and “Say no to ORWP,” filled the air around the provincial legislature with the hope that their demands would be heard.
Fatima Ataei, a realtor with Re/Max, who participated in the protest, said she finds the program “unfair.”
“That’s why we are here to send our voices to people who can send the decision to cancel the mandatory insurance for realtors,” Ataei said. “It’s okay to offer the insurance but it shouldn’t be mandatory. That’s all we want.”
Ataei said she hopes the demonstration in front of the legislative Assembly will help take the issue to a higher level.
Fatima Ataei holds a placard saying 'Reject Mandatory Insurance: Let Agents Choose' Photo credit: Aanchal Nigam
Despite several meetings and petitions, the plan was scheduled to kick off on Jan. 1, 2024.
Ontario Chinese Realtors Association, which organized the Feb. 20 rally, said the protest is a demonstration against the forced ORWP.
“A substantial portion of our community, which includes a diverse range of professionals, is firmly against this forced policy, advocating for autonomy and fairness in our industry,” the Ontario Chinese Realtors Association said in a statement.
OREA representatives have previously argued only a small, vocal group opposes their stance, mentioning they’ve conducted numerous town hall meetings to clarify their position to members after the vote.