It was during a debate in Laval presented by organizations in the housing sector, including the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), that major party candidates in the upcoming elections discussed the issue of businesses specialized in providing property resale assistance while not supported by the Real Estate Brokerage Act, acknowledging the lack of consumer protection for clients dealing with these companies.
Candidates were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and views on the current situation, addressing the framework of businesses specialized in providing property resale assistance while not covered by the Real Estate Brokerage Act. DuProprio is one of these companies, and candidates agreed that consumers who deal with them do not benefit from the same protections as they would if working with a broker.
Consumer protection
Consumer protection was at the heart of the debate and all candidates agreed on the assessment of the current situation. Proposals and intentions were also offered by candidates to address the issue.
According to PQ candidate Carole Poirier, “DuProprio does not provide comprehensive consumer protection support.” She went on to state that, “The Brokerage Act has set up a framework, but some have managed to work around this law,” adding that, “There’s a need to protect the consumer and buyer, as well as the seller. A review of this law is necessary.”
On the sidelines of the debate, following a question concerning the concrete measures proposed, Poirier referred to “a campaign that would clearly and openly explain the different protections available to consumers depending on whether they opt to deal with a broker or with DuProprio.”
Candidates from other parties also acknowledged how this issue is sowing confusion and uncertainty in the minds of average consumers. CAQ candidate Mario Framboise wants to “require businesses that offer resale assistance to disclose, in a contract or via their advertising, that their services are not covered by the Real Estate Brokerage Act.” PLQ candidate Lise Thériault was in agreement, hoping to “ensure that the consumer knows that their protections will change depending on whether they do business with a broker or with DuProprio.”
Régie du logement, social housing, and RénoVert
Throughout the debate, candidates took the opportunity to discuss other issues and present their platforms and intentions. The CAQ is hoping to turn RénoVert into a permanent program to make rental housing eligible for grants. The PLQ supports the expansion of the eligibility criteria for plex owners and occupants. As for the PQ, they are in favour of adding 40 million to the budget allocated to RénoVert for rental housing over a four-year period.
Québec Solidaire’s candidate, Simon Charron, stated his party’s intention to build 50,000 social housing units over the next four years. For its part, the CAQ plans to build 16,000 social housing units by 2024.
The PLQ is planning on reintroducing Bill 401. The project includes a number of proposals for increasing the efficiency of the Régie du logement. By the same token, the PQ is planning on creating a mediation service to free up the administrative court, while Québec Solidaire wants to increase resources for the Régie du logement. On its end, the CAQ is seeking comprehensive reform of the Régie du logement.
It bears mentioning that the housing sector represents a major investment worth up to $29 billion and generating around 170,000 jobs.
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