Leading the Canadian Real Estate Landscape: Introducing CREA’s 2015 Visionary Board

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) stands as the authoritative voice for Canada’s real estate industry, representing over 160,000 REALTORS® nationwide. Its mission extends beyond mere representation; CREA is dedicated to fostering a robust, ethical, and dynamic real estate market through advocacy, professional development, and innovative services. The strength of such an influential organization is intrinsically linked to the caliber of its leadership. In 2015, CREA was steered by an exceptional board of directors, a group of seasoned professionals bringing a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and an unwavering commitment to the industry’s advancement. This article delves into the profiles of these key individuals, highlighting their contributions and the collective expertise that shaped CREA’s strategic direction during a pivotal year for the Canadian housing market.

At the Helm: The Executive Leadership Team

A strong executive team is the backbone of any successful national association. CREA’s 2015 executive lineup comprised individuals who had demonstrated profound dedication and leadership at various levels of the real estate sector. Their combined experience ensured that CREA remained responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader public.

Pauline Aunger: The Driving Force as President

Pauline Aunger, a name synonymous with excellence and long-standing commitment in Canadian real estate, proudly served as CREA’s President in 2015. With a career spanning back to 1977, Pauline brought nearly four decades of hands-on experience and strategic insight to the highest leadership position within the association. Her journey in real estate began long before many contemporary practices were established, affording her a unique historical perspective combined with an acute understanding of modern market dynamics. As a broker of record with Royal LePage Advantage Real Estate, operating across Smiths Falls and Perth, Ontario, Pauline’s daily engagement with the market kept her connected to the grassroots realities faced by REALTORS® and consumers alike.

Pauline’s presidency at CREA was the culmination of an impressive trajectory of leadership roles. Prior to her national appointment, she distinguished herself as a past president of the Rideau St. Lawrence Real Estate Board, where she honed her skills in local market governance and member support. Her influence extended regionally as well, having also served as a past president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). These significant prior roles underscore her deep understanding of governance, advocacy, and the critical importance of fostering professional standards at both local and provincial levels. Her leadership was characterized by a pragmatic approach, focusing on tangible benefits for members and robust representation for the industry on national policy matters. Under her guidance, CREA continued to champion initiatives that enhanced consumer protection, facilitated ethical practices, and supported the professional growth of its REALTOR® members.

Cliff Iverson: Charting the Future as President-Elect

Preparing to take the reins and ensure a seamless transition of leadership, Cliff Iverson of Re/Max Crown Real Estate North in Regina was elected as President-Elect for 2015. The role of President-Elect is crucial; it involves working closely with the sitting President and the entire board to absorb strategic insights, understand ongoing initiatives, and prepare to lead the organization effectively in the subsequent term. Cliff’s election was a testament to his proven leadership capabilities and his comprehensive understanding of the real estate landscape, particularly within Western Canada.

Like Pauline, Cliff’s resume boasts a history of significant leadership. He previously served as a past president of the Association of Regina REALTORS®, where he gained invaluable experience in managing local market dynamics and addressing the specific needs of REALTORS® within a key urban centre. His influence then expanded to the provincial level as a past president of the Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS®. These roles equipped him with a profound grasp of both local and regional real estate challenges and opportunities, making him an ideal candidate to step into a national leadership role. His tenure as President-Elect was pivotal in ensuring continuity and innovation for CREA’s future strategic objectives.

Andrew Peck: The Strategic Vision of the Vice President

The role of Vice President is vital in supporting the President and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the association. Andrew Peck, a fourth-generation British Columbian, brought a distinct regional perspective and extensive experience to this position. Having spent his entire career as a REALTOR® in the vibrant and often complex Metro Vancouver area, Andrew possesses an intimate understanding of one of Canada’s most dynamic and internationally influenced real estate markets. His deep roots in British Columbia’s real estate community provide a unique lens through which to view national issues, ensuring that diverse regional concerns are acknowledged and addressed.

Andrew’s professional standing is further solidified by his executive role as broker/owner, vice president, and general manager of Royal Pacific Realty Group, one of the leading real estate firms in Western Canada. This multi-faceted role provides him with not only a broker’s perspective but also a deep understanding of corporate governance, business operations, and the challenges of managing a large, successful real estate enterprise. His contributions as Vice President were instrumental in refining CREA’s policies, enhancing member services, and advocating for the interests of REALTORS® and consumers across the nation, leveraging his extensive experience in a high-stakes market environment.

Beth Crosbie: A Legacy of Guidance as Past President

While not an active voting member of the executive, the role of Past President holds significant weight, offering invaluable institutional knowledge and continuity. Beth Crosbie of Coldwell Banker Pro Co Realty in St. John’s, Newfoundland, served in this capacity. Her continued presence on the board ensured that the current leadership benefited from her recent experience and insights from her preceding term as President. The wisdom and guidance provided by a Past President are crucial for maintaining the organization’s strategic vision and ensuring that new initiatives align with CREA’s historical mission and values. Beth’s contributions from Canada’s East Coast offered a unique and important perspective, enriching the overall national dialogue.

Diverse Voices: Regional Directors Bringing Local Insights

CREA’s strength lies in its ability to represent the diverse real estate markets across Canada, from bustling metropolitan areas to remote rural communities. The Regional Directors play a critical role in this, acting as conduits between local boards and the national association. These individuals ensure that regional specificities, challenges, and opportunities are heard and integrated into CREA’s national agenda, fostering a truly representative governance structure.

Ron Abraham (Ontario) of Lorimer Realty in King City, Ont., brought the perspective of Canada’s most populous province, a market characterized by both urban density and sprawling rural areas. His insights into Ontario’s varied real estate landscape were invaluable.
Bill Briggs (Alberta) of Re/Max Real Estate in Edmonton represented a province known for its strong resource-based economy and distinct housing market trends. His understanding of Alberta’s unique economic drivers and real estate patterns was crucial.
Jim Carragher (Atlantic) of Coldwell Banker Parker Realty in Charlottetown, representing the Atlantic region, provided a voice for the charming and growing markets of Canada’s East Coast. His input was vital for addressing the specific concerns of this vibrant region.
Sylvain Girard (Quebec) of Compas Immobilier in Montreal, offered a deep understanding of Quebec’s distinct civil law system and unique real estate market dynamics, ensuring that the province’s specific needs were meticulously considered.
Roy Milley (Atlantic) of Marquis Realty in Sydney, N.S., further reinforced the Atlantic representation, highlighting the diverse aspects even within this region. His dual presence underscored the importance CREA placed on comprehensive regional input from this vital part of Canada.
Paul Shreenan (British Columbia/Yukon) of Fair Realty in Nelson, B.C., covered the vast and geographically diverse British Columbia and Yukon territories. His representation ensured that both urban and remote real estate considerations from Western Canada were adequately addressed.
Lorne Weiss (Manitoba) of Century 21 Bachman & Associates in Winnipeg, provided key insights from the Prairies, a region with its own unique economic drivers and housing market characteristics.

Collectively, these Regional Directors formed a vital network, ensuring that CREA’s policies and advocacy efforts were not only nationally relevant but also regionally sensitive and effective. Their direct connection to the local real estate boards provided an essential feedback loop, allowing CREA to remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of its members across the country.

Strategic Oversight: Directors-at-Large Contributing Broad Expertise

Beyond regional representation, CREA’s board also benefits from the strategic vision of its Directors-at-Large. These individuals are selected for their broad expertise, diverse professional backgrounds, and ability to contribute to the association’s overarching strategic objectives, independent of specific geographic mandates. Their role is to provide a wider lens on industry trends, innovative practices, and long-term planning.

Daniel Dagenais Group of Sutton-Expert in Kirkland, Quebec, brought valuable perspectives from a dynamic Quebec market and a background in real estate brokerage, contributing to discussions on national standards and member services.
William Johnston of Bosley Real Estate in Toronto, offered insights from one of Canada’s most competitive and fast-paced urban real estate markets, crucial for understanding metropolitan trends and policy implications.
Richard Silver of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada in Toronto, provided expertise in luxury real estate and international market trends, adding a sophisticated layer to CREA’s strategic considerations.
Jason Stephen of Royal LePage Atlantic in Saint John, N.B., ensured that the Atlantic region’s voice was strongly represented among the Directors-at-Large, offering further balance and depth to the board’s discussions.
Barb Sukkau of Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario, contributed valuable insights from a mid-sized Ontario market, complementing the perspectives from larger urban centres and ensuring a holistic view of the provincial landscape.

The Directors-at-Large were instrumental in shaping CREA’s strategic initiatives, from technological advancements and member professional development to national advocacy campaigns. Their collective experience, spanning various market segments and operational models, enriched the board’s capacity for innovative thinking and effective governance, ensuring CREA’s continued relevance and leadership in the Canadian real estate industry.

A Legacy of Strength and Vision

The 2015 leadership team of the Canadian Real Estate Association exemplified a profound blend of experience, regional understanding, and strategic foresight. From the seasoned guidance of President Pauline Aunger and the preparatory insights of President-Elect Cliff Iverson, to the robust support of Vice President Andrew Peck and the institutional wisdom of Past President Beth Crosbie, the executive leadership was poised for effective governance. Supplemented by a diverse array of Regional Directors who ensured every corner of Canada was heard, and insightful Directors-at-Large who provided expansive strategic perspectives, this board was meticulously constructed to navigate the complexities of the Canadian real estate market. Their collective dedication underscored CREA’s commitment to upholding the highest professional standards, advocating for REALTORS® and consumers, and fostering a vibrant and resilient real estate sector across the nation. This leadership, working in concert, established a strong foundation for CREA’s continued success and influence in the years that followed.