Editor’s note: REM asked if OREA has a new interim CEO, what the timeline is for a new permanent hire and if they’re looking inside or outside the industry. They said that at this time, they don’t have any details regarding next steps but will update REM as soon as they do.
Earlier today, in an email to members of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), CEO Tim Hudak confirmed he is leaving the association. His last day will be August 2, 2024.
He shared his gratitude and the accomplishments he helped with over his seven years in the role:
“I have been tremendously honoured to have spent the last seven years as the CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). When I was recruited to the job, as I was leaving my time in public office, I believed I would be here for about five years with a goal of delivering high-impact advocacy, greater profile for the organization and refreshed, practical products to support realtors as they connect people with a great place to call home.
Over the last seven years, we have accomplished many things together:
- OREA became Ontario’s leading champion for homeowners and those who aspire to join their ranks;
- Our powerful advocacy helped convince government to pass legislation to get more affordable homes built faster;
- The Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) made Ontario the North American leader in professional standards and consumer protection with new business tools for realtors including Personal Real Estate Corporations;
- The Ontario Realtor Wellness Program provides a safety net of health and insurance benefits to be there when realtors need it most. The ORWP is a first among professional associations in North America; and
- We streamlined OREA, reducing middle management and becoming a leading organization doing fewer things better.
With these successes in mind, earlier this year I advised the board of directors of my intention to leave OREA this summer. My last day will be August 2, 2024.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the OREA staff who at all times act with integrity, creativity, and in the best interests of our members. To the boards I have served, I thank you for your leadership in guiding staff to accomplish all of our goals. To the members, I thank you for the critical role you play in our day-to-day lives and the economy. I admire your work ethic and your unmatched dedication to building strong communities.
Finally, I want to thank the MPPs and leaders of all parties — including Premiers Ford and Wynne — for their leadership, openness and drive to create more homeowners.
I will be forever a champion of the Canadian dream of homeownership and the extraordinary work Ontario realtors do in helping people get the keys to a great home.
I look forward to spending August with my family and tackling new adventures in the fall.
Sincerely,
Tim Hudak
OREA CEO”
Who is his replacement?
REM hasn’t confirmed it yet but we’ll provide an update as we learn more.
Who cares. Orea should be shut down.
agree, OREA should be shut down. Selling insurance under the disguise of an advocate for real estate professionals.
Thank God he is gone!
I do not wish him well un any future endeavours
I’m guessing he will be making a run for federal politics now. Interested to see his replacement and what direction the board takes this time.
He must have received a hefty piece of OWRP cale, a few millions, after filing all the realtor in Ontario. And now enjoy that big money for screwing up other people if he joins politics again.
In the interest of transparency – deleted a couple comments. Criticisms of work and stuff like that is fine but personal attacks we’ll get rid of.
I guess this means you will be deleting the majority of comments as appreciation for Tim and his antics while in office at OREA. It will be interesting to see if this article eventually gets removed.
Why would we remove this article?
People can post criticisms as much as they want. We allow those types of comments. Personal attacks about an individual that are basically just swearing at them with nothing constructive otherwise will be removed.
He probably made a lot of money from orwp to retire
From Minister responsible for REBBA to CEO convincing RECO what should and should not be revised in TRESA Tim’s history can be described in two sentences that will define his legacy.
It is illegal in Ontario for a Consumer to financially reward their REALTOR with a Bonus for skillfully negotiating a lower price on a home for them.
It remains legal in Ontario for a Consumer to financially reward their REALTOR with a Bonus for skillfully negotiating a higher price on a home for them.
What happens when the public is informed it is actually ILLEGAL in Ontario for a Buyer to pay their REALTOR a bonus for getting them a lower price on a home!
That is Tim’s legacy and why NARs lawsuits will pair in comparison to north of the border.
Leaving OREA when it seems to be one rung away from a lynching is good timing, don’t let the door hit you on your way out.
Let’s not forget Tim’s successful repeal of the Home Energy Rating Act (2008), with Doug Ford in 2020.
Thank you Tim for all that you have done for the Real Estate Industry in Ontario.
Your skills, knowledge, and ability to get politicians to act were very instramental in bringing about a much needed modernization to our industry.
Wish you all the best in your next venture.
Roger Guindon
Is Tim heading up REBBA?
Is he leaving OREA to assist this new organisation?
We don’t have any further information at this time – will share when we know more.