Getting REALTORS® access to vaccines as part of the Province’s vaccination plan is a priority for OREA.
Over the last two months, OREA has met with senior officials on the Province’s vaccine taskforce. In addition, they have been in regular communication with political decision makers on the issue in an effort to educate officials in government on the impact that the pandemic has had on our Members. Specifically, we are strongly advocating that real estate professionals should be included under ‘financial services’ in the vaccination plan’s second priority grouping. Although the Province has not committed to adding REALTORS® into their phase two roll-out, OREA continues to push the message with decision makers.
OREA strongly believes that vaccinations should be available first and foremost to health care workers, teachers, first responders, day care workers, the elderly, people who are immunocompromised and others deemed at risk by public health as outlined in the provincial plan.
However, they believe REALTORS® should qualify under phase two in the category of financial services who cannot work from home. Furthermore, under the provincial laws governing real estate professionals, a REALTOR® is required to accompany potential home buyers inside a home during an in-person showing.
To help support their efforts, WECAR has completed and sent a letter to our local MPPs.
Lastly, given the very sensitive nature of this topic OREA is carefully managing our communications with Boards and Members on the issue. We understand that not everyone is able to be, or interested in being vaccinated, so we are not suggesting mandatory vaccinations. But, for those Members who want a vaccine, rest assured, they are working on it and we hope to have further updates on the issue very soon.