LSTAR ANNUAL GENERAL REVIEW 2022
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PAGE 9
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Despite COVID-19, the LSTAR Political Affairs Committee (PAC) remained committed to ongoing advocacy efforts
on behalf of REALTORS®, with London and St. Thomas Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Provincial
Parliament (MPPs), and municipal leaders.
The year was highlighted by the many recommendations put forward by the real estate community that were included in
the 2022 federal budget, recognizing the important role REALTORS® play within housing, the economy and the greater
community.
Specific REALTOR® advocacy positions in the 2022 federal budget included:
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A new Housing Accelerator Fund that will spend $4 billion over five years to support updated processes and
systems, and encourage municipalities to build 100,000 net new housing units.
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Doubling the First Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit.
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Implementation of the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account.
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Implementation of the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit.
For a more in-depth account of 2022 PAC activities, please see the PAC Report on page 28.
QUALITY OF LIFE
In 2022, nonprofit charitable organizations continued to feel the impacts of the pandemic, as well as rising inflation, and
LSTAR remained steadfast in its commitment to help neighbours in need. More than $76,000 in grants were awarded
to 12 local charities from LSTAR's Business Partners Program, sponsorship, various fundraising events and the Ontario
REALTORS Care® Foundation, of which LSTAR is a proud supporter. For more on the Association's efforts to improve the
Quality of Life in the community, please see the Community Engagement Committee report on page 31.
REALTOR® VALUE
Over the years, OREA and CREA have been running high-quality campaigns at the national and provincial level promoting
the value of a REALTOR® and LSTAR has supported these efforts by amplifying this message through media
relations, political advocacy, and social media campaigns. CREA and OREA regularly make resources available to
Members to sustain awareness of this messaging, which has helped to enhance the perception of REALTORS®.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In 2020 and 2021, we often used the words "unprecedented" and "challenging" to describe what was happening during
the year. Reflecting back on 2022, one could easily use those sentiments.
From the multiple interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, to the rise in inflation and
affordability concerns, there has been a great deal of uncertainty in the marketplace. Without a doubt, the business of real
estate is a complex creature, interconnected with everything happening around us. But through it all, LSTAR Members
kept their heads held high and delivered for the communities that they passionately serve. I thank all of you for your
support and continued resolve.
I want to send a special thank you to the 2022 LSTAR Board of Directors. Again, through a sometimes tumultuous and
uncertain year, you demonstrated your leadership and commitment to our Members. Thank you. Huge thanks to LSTAR
CEO Bill Madder. And thank you to the entire team at LSTAR, for everything they do to support our members, each and
every day.
Values
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Member-Centric
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Professionalism
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Integrity
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Thought-Leader
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Community-Minded