Following a review of the Real Estate Council of Alberta’s (RECA) practices, the Government of Alberta is rolling out legislation that seeks to end “ongoing dysfunction” and “continued mistrust” in RECA by firing the entire council.
The Real Estate Amendment Act 2019 aims to “reform governance” of the province’s real estate regulator following years of concerns from the industry and public alike.
Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta, said, “The amendments address serious concerns raised by real estate professionals, buyers, sellers and regulatory officials and, if passed, would refocus the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) for the immediate term and ensure efficiency and confidence in the future.
As recommended by third-party reviewer KPMG, if passed, the legislation would involve dismissing all current council members, hiring an interim official administrator to manage RECA and continue ongoing functions such as hearing and appeals processes, and putting in place a new council.
In its governance review of RECA’s practices, KPMG wrote, “There are too many issues with the current composition and operations of Council to enable an effective governance body. Dismissing only a subset of Council could contribute to a further deterioration in trust amongst Council, Administration and industry.”
The ministry-appointed interim administrator would be expected to carry out RECA's essential functions until further amendments to the Real Estate Act are legislated, likely in spring 2020.
The province said in a statement that RECA “continues to provide day-to-day services related to real estate licensing, education and evaluation of professional conduct. No disruption in service to industry professionals or consumers is expected.”