Tim Hudak, former leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative party and an MPP for 21 years, is leaving politics to become the CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

Hudak has represented the people of Niagara West – Glanbrook riding for 21 years as an MPP. He served in three Cabinet portfolios: Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, where OREA says he worked closely with the association to write the Real Estate Business Brokers Act, 2002 and create the Real Estate Council of Ontario. As Leader of the Official Opposition until 2014, he led 80 staff and managed a multi-million-dollar budget, says OREA.

“Tim brings over 20 years of public service and executive management experience to OREA. Throughout his time at Queen’s Park he has been a strong advocate for Ontario homeowners and issues that our association supports. Tim’s leadership will be a great asset to Ontario Realtors and homeowners,” says Ray Ferris, president of OREA.

“OREA has had a very long, positive working relationship with Tim collaborating on a number of issues of importance to Ontario Realtors, such as electronic signatures on real estate transactions, the creation of a grow-op registry and stopping the spread of the municipal land transfer tax,” says Ferris.

In a news release, Hudak says, “I am tremendously excited about this new opportunity and the important mission it supports: Ontario Realtors work hard every day to help Ontarians achieve their dreams of home ownership. In my travels I have seen first-hand the leadership roles Realtors take on in every community and how much charitable work OREA members do for local causes. I am honoured to lead a talented, dedicated team charged with delivering products and services to Ontario Realtors.”

Hudak will leave his seat in the Legislature on Sept. 16.