The B.C. government has appointed eleven public-interest members to the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, increasing its accountability and objectivity in fulfilling its role of protecting the public interest.
Robert D. Holmes is the appointed chair of the council. Holmes brings a wealth of legal expertise to the council, having worked as a litigation and arbitration lawyer for more than 32 years. He also served as president of the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C., president of the BC Civil Liberties Association and on provincial council of the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
Robert Gialloreto has been appointed as vice chair of the Council. Gialloreto is the president and CEO of Consumer Protection BC, which promotes a fair marketplace for B.C. consumers and businesses.
The B.C. government has taken significant action to protect real estate consumers and safeguard the public interest, overhauling the regulatory framework and strengthening oversight and accountability of the sector. Self-regulation of the industry is ended with these appointments. Government will appoint a total of 16 members to council.
“As consumers, we expect to be treated fairly and with integrity, especially when making the important decision to purchase a home. These changes are part of government’s broader efforts to restore public confidence and trust in the system,” said Finance Minister Michael de Jong.
The Real Estate Council of British Columbia is now one part of a broader system of organizations responsible for supervising the real estate industry. The council continues to be responsible for licensing, investigating complaints, enforcing licensee rules and disciplining licensees found to be breaching their obligations.
In addition to the new appointments, long time executive officer Robert O. Fawcett has announced his retirement effective November 1, 2016. He has served as executive officer of the Council since 1995. The Council has appointed Erin Seeley as Acting Executive Officer during the transition.
“On behalf of the Council members and staff, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Robert for his years of dedicated service, professionalism, and leadership. We wish him the very best in his retirement. He will be greatly missed,” said Chair Holmes.
