Canadian real estate pioneer, esteemed business leader and philanthropist Walter Schneider has been appointed to the Order of Canada alongside 87 other outstanding Canadians, in what is considered to be one of Canada’s highest honours recognizing those who have made notable and sustained contributions to the country.

Schneider redefined Canadian real estate when he co-founded RE/MAX Integra, growing it into the country’s top-selling organization in the real estate industry and stimulating local economies. For more than two decades, his family’s foundation has supported important initiatives in the health and social sectors.

I am humbled to receive this honour, and grateful to the folks with whom I have shared this journey.

Walter Schneider, Co-founder of RE/MAX Integra and Order of Canada recipient

That journey began in 1980, when Schneider alongside Frank Polzler, founders of RE/MAX Integra, saw an opportunity to incite change. Back then, the Canadian real estate industry was controlled by banks and trust companies, with a few national brands that saw profits heavily favouring brokers. The industry ran on an inherently flawed business model that saw top-producing agents subsidizing non-producers. Schneider and Polzler recognized this professional pain point as an opportunity to bring the cream to the top, so to speak. And thus, RE/MAX Integra – the “home of the top producer” – was born.

RE/MAX Integra’s innovative agent-centric business model meant agents kept their commissions, which naturally attracted top producers. True to the founders’ vision for the company, the best agents joined the brand, they stayed and they conquered. Today, RE/MAX is the #1 name in real estate in Canada. (Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness.)

Appointees to the Order of Canada are nominated, and the appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and has celebrated the outstanding achievements and wide-ranging contributions of more than 8,000 individuals since its creation in 1967.

“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries. Thank you for your perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit, and welcome to the Order of Canada,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, in a statement.

More to Explore

British Columbia

The Most Affordable Markets in British Columbia

October 31, 2025

Will the Bank of Canada Cut Interest Rates This Year

Interest Rate Announcement: Bank of Canada Cuts Policy Rate to 2.25%

October 29, 2025

Can You Afford to Inherit your Family Cottage in Canada?

October 29, 2025

Movers and Moving Services Explained

Movers and Moving Services Explained

October 28, 2025

Winnipeg Real Estate Market Demonstrates Stability Amid Steady Population Growth

Winnipeg Real Estate Market Demonstrates Stability Amid Steady Population Growth

October 27, 2025

Halifax Real Estate Leads in Canada with 460% Equity Gains Over 30 Years

Halifax Real Estate Leads in Canada with 460% Equity Gains Over 30 Years

October 27, 2025

Greater-Toronto-Area-Real-Estate-Market-Ranks-2-Among-Canadas-Top-Performing-Markets

Greater Toronto Area Real Estate Market Ranks #2 Among Canada’s Top-Performing Markets

October 27, 2025

Edmonton Real Estate Ranks #2 Among Canada’s Fastest-Growing Markets

Edmonton Real Estate Ranks #2 Among Canada’s Fastest-Growing Markets

October 27, 2025

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Sees Sharp Rise in Inventory Levels

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Sees Sharp Rise in Inventory Levels

October 27, 2025

Find the
Right Agent

Sign up
For Our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Next Steps: Sync an Email Add-On

To get the most out of your form, we suggest that you sync this form with an email add-on. To learn more about your email add-on options, visit the following page (https://www.gravityforms.com/the-8-best-email-plugins-for-wordpress-in-2020/). Important: Delete this tip before you publish the form.
Untitled(Required)

*RE/MAX, LLC, 5075 S. Syracuse St., Denver CO, 80237; RE/MAX Western Canada and RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic, 639 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2B7, 905-542-2400