Thursday, March 3, 2022

We all benefit from living and working in a region with such a diverse population. This diversity enriches our communities and deepens our perspectives.

At the Board, we’re committed to expanding our profession’s appreciation for diversity and finding opportunities to bridge any understanding gaps that may exist.

To achieve these goals, we’re developing a diversity, equity and inclusion program. We kicked off this work in 2020 by joining the lieutenant governor of BC’s “Different Together” campaign that affirmed our commitment to stand up against racism and promote respect and opportunity for all people.

We took further steps last year when we embedded a goal in our strategic plan to “Endorse and embrace racial and multi-cultural acceptance in the real estate sector.”

Next, we brought together a diverse cross-section of members to form a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group. The group’s first assignment was to create a diversity, equity and inclusion statement for REBGV. The purpose of such a statement is to articulate what we stand for as an organization, and a membership, and what we’re striving to achieve in this area.

After considerable conversation, our advisory group developed the following statement with the support of staff:

"The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver stands for inclusion. For welcoming and respecting all people. For opposing discrimination in all forms. For having discussions that further these aims and allying ourselves with others who do as well. We celebrate our diversity and commit to helping all people thrive in our profession and our communities."

This statement sets expectations of respect and inclusion for anyone associated with REBGV. As a member, I’m proud of this statement and embrace the values that it conveys.

Our advisory group is now working with staff and experts from the academic and not-for-profit sectors to build a diversity, equity and inclusion program. Through this program, we’ll provide regular communications, videos, events and courses focused on delivering education and fostering conversations. Keep an eye out for these learning opportunities later this year and help us make progress in this important area.

If you have thoughts or suggestions on how we could further our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, please email our professional development and member relations manager, Richard Joy at rjoy@rebgv.org.

Sincerely,

Taylor Biggar
Chair
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver