Province Takes Action on Real Estate Regulation
The Ontario government is taking decisive steps to address accountability concerns within the province's real estate regulatory body. Minister Stephen Crawford has announced the intention to appoint an administrator for the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), a move that has received full endorsement from the industry's leading associations.
Industry Associations Voice Strong Support
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), representing approximately 100,000 real estate professionals across the province, have publicly expressed their support for the government's action. Both organizations released a joint statement on November 14, 2025, backing Minister Crawford's latest communication with RECO and his commitment to ensuring the regulator fulfills its consumer protection mandate.
According to the associations, the appointment of an administrator will help RECO refocus on its core responsibilities. The fundamental purpose of this intervention is to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Ontario's real estate market, the statement emphasized.
Commitment to Collaborative Reform
OREA and TRREB have affirmed their dedication to working closely with the Government of Ontario on implementing necessary reforms. The organizations recognize that restoring public trust requires meaningful changes to how the real estate sector is regulated and overseen.
The leadership of both associations, including Presidents Cathy Polan (OREA) and Elechia Barry-Sproule (TRREB), along with CEOs Luigi Favaro (OREA) and John DiMichele (TRREB), have put their full weight behind this regulatory overhaul. This unified front demonstrates the industry's recognition that stronger consumer protections benefit both the public and legitimate real estate professionals.
The appointment of a RECO administrator represents a significant development in Ontario's ongoing efforts to improve real estate industry standards and ensure that the regulatory body effectively serves its public protection role.
