If you want a one-stop shop for government reports try the BC Legislative Library catalogue.
Finding The Best Online Information Is Tough
In this section we have gathered some of the most reliable websites for you to use in your research.
Real Estate Council of British Columbia
(RECBC) is a regulatory agency established by the provincial government in 1958. Its mandate is to protect the public interest by enforcing the licensing and licensee conduct requirements of the Real Estate Services Act.
Start here: Real Estate as a Career
MLS.ca / Realtor.ca
Multiple Listings Service (MLS) is a one-stop directory for the current inventory of real estate for sale in Canada.
Zoocasa
Similar to MLS, this newer real estate portal has listings from across Canada. This site offers detailed demographic statistics and real estate trends based on geographic locations. Most listings on Zoocasa are also on MLS, but the information is presented in a more visual manner.
Key Government Websites:
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
CMHC is Canada's national housing agency. This agency is a provider of mortgage loan insurance, mortgage-backed securities, housing policy and programs, and housing research.
Start here: Housing Trends in Canada
Start here: Statistics and Data
BC Stats | Current reports and statistics from British Columbia's central statistical agency including labour market information, economic statistics and bankruptcies. Start by searching their Industry section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.
Start here: Socio-Economic Profiles
Job Bank - Government of Canada
The leading source for labour market information. The site is designed to assist individuals who are searching for work or looking to make career decisions but can also be useful to gage employment trends in an industry. Try using their search portal to explore careers by occupation or review the latest job market trends in your industry.
The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.
Start here: Real Estate Agents, Brokers, Appraisers and Other Real Estate Activities (publication)
Start here: Canada at a Glance (publication with a "housing" section, click here for direct link to 2014 update)
Statistics Canada Data | Formerly known as CANSIM, Statistics Canada's key socioeconomic database is updated daily. It is free to search the data tables.
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Provides market research, industry statistics, licensing information for intellectual property, and information about doing business internationally. The Industry Canada site features interactive applications such as customizable trade reports, cost calculators, and online business planning guides. You can also search broad Canadian industry statistics.
Start here: Definition - NAICS 531 - Real Estate
Start here: Establishments - NAICS 531 - Real Estate
WorkBC | Find current employment outlooks, labour market information, relevant links, and a geographic representation of the BC workforce. Start by searching your Industry Profile.
Start here: Occupation Profile - Real Estate Agents and Salespersons
Start here: Industry Profile - Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing
Province of Alberta - Ministry of Labour
Provides information on economic development, labour, trades and apprenticeships as well as industry descriptions and data from the Province of Alberta.
Start here: Industry Profiles
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Start here: Real Estate Industry
Free US Industry Websites:
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Start here: Real Estate Leasing and Sales Profile
Start here: Real Estate Management Profile
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
CareerOneStop
A good way to research trends in the US labour market. Provides detailed labour information by state.
You might want to jump ahead to the news websites listed in the next section of this Accelerator Guide for more resources. News websites can often be good sources of industry, competitive and consumer information.