As CREB^®’s Board Chair, I’d like to update members on the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) legal proceedings that we informed you about on January 23, 2026.

CREB^® has filed our Statement of Defence with the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in response to the lawsuit filed by the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) against CREB^®, some of our volunteer leaders, and other people and associations.

Our legal counsel has advised that we may share the Statement of Defence, and it is available to members here. We are committed to being as transparent as possible and will continue to share information as our legal counsel advises.

In the statement, CREB^® rejects the allegations made in the claim. We remain committed to defending CREB^® through the appropriate legal process in a professional and respectful manner. We look forward to the court hearing all the evidence and making a decision based on the facts.

You’ll notice that the Statement of Defence references a “CREB^® letter”. This was a confidential governance communication signed by the three CREB^® Officers named in the lawsuit and sent with the support of the board to AREA following their confidential governance processes. As such, the letter was not intended for broader circulation.

As we have said previously, CREB^® is limited in what it can say while this matter is before the courts.

We want members to know that CREB^® stands behind its leadership, its governance process and the integrity of its volunteer leaders. If AREA chooses to withdraw this lawsuit and engage in constructive dialogue, it would be a welcome development for the industry.

We also want members to know that our focus remains where it should be—enhancing the REALTOR^® profession, delivering member-driven services, and strengthening CREB^® REALTORS^®’ future readiness. All of this depends on good governance at all levels in organized real estate, which is the issue at the heart of this situation.

We will provide updates to members as we are able throughout the legal process, and you will find updated FAQs and links to our previous communications on CREB^®Link’s AREA Legal Updates page.

Sincerely,

Susanita de Diego
Board Chair
Calgary Real Estate Board