Here's an interesting article regarding everyones favorite industry topic "commission" based on the recent NAR settlement.  The comment claiming that Buyer agency is free is inaccruate - even though the the commission is paid by the seller, the buyer is paying for it in the purchase price.  This typically helps with buyer financing & is my understanding why it's been done this way for years.  Otherwise, especially 1st time buyer's (typically with limited funds) will have to pay the buyer's agent on top of other closing costs.  

The NAR settlement and its far-reaching implications: What does it mean for the Canadian industry? by Natalka Falcomer in REM March 25, 2024.

https://realestatemagazine.ca/the-nar-settlement-and-its-far-reaching-implications-what-does-it-mean-for-the-canadian-industry/