Canada Life
Real Estate Fund

What

Established in 2005, the Canada Life Real Estate Fund invests in units of the Great-West Life Real Estate Fund.

How

The Great-West Life Real Estate Fund (also known as the Canadian Real Estate Investment Fund No. 1 (or CREIF)) invests in a portfolio of high-quality, income-producing properties diversified by type and location.

Why

The objective is to provide investors with strong income returns and the opportunity for long-term capital appreciation.

$5.5B in real estate assets

$5.6B in total assets

93 properties

As of June 30, 2026
Source of Return (%)
As of March 31, 2026
Year Income Capital Total
2017 4.5 1.8 6.3
2018 4.3 2.7 7.1
2019 4.2 4.9 9.1
2020 3.8 -1.3 2.5
2021 3.7 7.8 11.6
2022 3.3 3.9 7.2
2023 3.5 -6.5 -3.0
2024 3.7 -4.3 -0.6
2025 3.8 -3.4 0.4
2026 1.0 0.6 1.6
type 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Income
4.5% 4.3% 4.2% 3.8% 3.7% 3.3% 3.5% 3.7% 3.8% 1.0%
Capital
1.8% 2.7% 4.9% (1.3)% 7.8% 3.9% (6.5)% (4.3)% (3.4)% 0.6%
Total
6.3% 7.1% 9.1% 2.5% 11.6% 7.2% (3.0)% (0.6)% 0.4% 1.6%
Compound Rates of Return
(gross of investment management fees)
Three Month
1.6%
One Year
1.9%
Three Year
(0.3)%
Five Year
2.8%
Ten Year
4.4%
Diversification by Property Type
(millions)
Type Percentage
Retail $569
Office $1,545
Industrial $1,453
Residential $1,624
Other $251
Retail
10.0%
$569
Office
28.6%
$1,545
Industrial
26.8%
$1,453
Residential
30.0%
$1,624
Other
4.6%
$251
Diversification by Region
(millions)
Type Percentage
British Columbia $632
Alberta $677
Prairies $24
Ontario $3,508
Quebec $552
Atlantic $48
British Columbia
11.6%
$632
Alberta
12.4%
$677
Prairies
0.4%
$24
Ontario
64.5%
$3,508
Quebec
10.4%
$552
Atlantic
0.9%
$48

Quarterly Highlights

Q1 2026 Canada Life
Real Estate Fund Bulletin

The Canada Life Estate Fund (“CREIF”) continued to generate stable results in the second quarter of 2026, resulting in a year-to-date total return of 2.17%. Performance was supported by improving operating fundamentals across the portfolio and continued execution of strategic asset management initiatives. Portfolio occupancy increased 47 basis points during the quarter to 89.1%, reflecting healthy tenant demand and positive leasing momentum which continue to support durable cash flow generation.

Investment Insights
Why should I continue to hold real estate in my portfolio?

Learn how real estate can support diversified portfolios through income potential, inflation resilience and long-term value creation.

Play the video
Investment Insights
Why is now an attractive time to invest?

Discover how improving fundamentals, attractive valuations and stronger financing conditions are creating new commercial real estate opportunities.

Play the video
Investment Insights
How does GWL Realty Advisors create long-term value?

Explore how disciplined investing and thoughtful portfolio construction help create resilient, long-term performance through changing market cycles.

Play the video
Investment Insights
How does GWL Realty Advisors make investment decisions?

See how proprietary research, market intelligence and local expertise help identify opportunities and position investments for long-term success.

Play the video
Investment Insights
Which sectors offer the greatest opportunity today?

Hear where GWLRA sees opportunity in sectors supported by durable demand, evolving tenant needs and long-term trends.

Play the video
Investment Insights
What trends are shaping commercial real estate?

Gain insight into trends shaping real estate, including rates, capital flows, workplace shifts, housing demand and tenant needs.

Play the video