Real North Strategies, a newly established firm led by Matthew Thornton, a seasoned government relations executive, has entered the Canadian real estate landscape.
Officially launching Wednesday, Thornton’s new firm specializes in providing dedicated advocacy support to real estate boards and associations.
“I am a big believer in the power of real estate boards & associations when it comes to advocacy,” says Thornton. “Governments across Canada are struggling to solve the housing affordability crisis. Members need their boards and associations now more than ever to fight for them at city hall, Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill.”
Past successes and industry challenges
Drawing from his extensive experience leading government relations, communications, and marketing divisions at the Ontario Real Estate Association, Thornton highlights notable achievements on behalf of the industry.
Accomplishments include successfully preventing the spread of the municipal land transfer tax and securing legislative changes to allow personal real estate corporations and electronic signatures on agreements of purchase and sale.
Thornton also points out recent developments in other provinces, such as B.C.’s ban on dual agency and the introduction of cooling-off periods for residential home sales. Additionally, Quebec has banned dual agency and conducted consultations on real estate fees and commissions.
“When it comes to housing and real estate, there are some big public policy opportunities but also some threats,” he says.
In Ontario, the 2023 Auditor General Report recommends reforms such as a mandatory cooling-off period, the prohibition of multiple representation, and significant changes to the home buying and selling process. These examples highlight the opportunities and challenges in the public policy landscape, further emphasizing the need for effective advocacy, Thornton explains.
“Real North isn’t like most government relations consulting firms. Our model is low volume, high service, and we don’t do bait and switches.”
Leveraging specialized knowledge in the real estate sector and extensive experience tackling significant public policy challenges, Thornton promises to deliver tangible results across the country.
