As we get further into 2026, Canada-United States relations feel particularly frayed. The Canadian economy strains under tariffs and increasingly hostile posturing by the Trump Administration, with no end in sight. But amid these difficult international relations, it’s important to remember that we have long shared a much closer relationship with the US.

An interesting look back at years past and our collective response to US tragedy is the BC REALTOR® community’s actions following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. An October 5, 2001, print edition of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s (now Greater Vancouver REALTORS®) REALTOR Link® newsletter recapped highlights of the sector's efforts.

The newsletter notes that on the day of the attack, BCREA was holding provincial meetings in a hotel in Richmond. Notably, board and association presidents, as well as executive officers, gave up their hotel rooms to accommodate stranded travellers.

In the days that followed, the REALTOR Link® article outlines that:

• As the Vancouver International Airport became crowded with rerouted flights, some REALTORS® took travellers into their homes.
• REALTORS® lined up to donate blood, and many took part in memorial services and vigils.
• Board and association staff members joined the world in a day of mourning. Both the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board observed moments of silence.
• In Vancouver, board staff participated in a candle-lighting ceremony outside the building to express condolences.

In real estate, we’ve come to expect periodic market volatility. Seemingly, international relations work in a similar fashion.

Here’s hoping we return to a stronger relationship with our neighbouring country soon and maintain that relationship for a long time to come.

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