New Real Estate Council Appointed

Further to our previous post on the subject, readers will be interested to learn that the BC Provincial Government has appointed a new Real Estate Council, with an aim to increasing consumer protection.

Their press release on the subject, including the names of the new Council Members and goals of the restructured group can be found here.

From their announcement, dated October 12th, 2016:

Nine New Members of Council Appointed

 

Today, Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced the appointment of nine public-interest members to the Real Estate Council of British Columbia. The newly-appointed Council members bring a diverse range of skills and knowledge, including regulatory experience, legal expertise, and knowledge of the real estate industry.

“On behalf of the staff of the Council, I wish to welcome the newly-appointed Council members,” said Council Executive Officer, Robert O. Fawcett. “We look forward to working with each of you to protect the public interest and ensure that regulation and enforcement of real estate licensee conduct is effective, transparent, and fair.”

Robert D. Holmes, Q.C., has been appointed as Chair of the Council. Mr. Holmes is an experienced litigator and arbitration lawyer, and has previously served as President of the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C., as president of the BC Civil Liberties Association and on Provincial Council of the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association.

The appointment of Council members by government is intended to protect real estate consumers and safeguard the public interest, ensuring that the Real Estate Council includes a majority of public representation.