Message from the Administrator: Duane Monea

In my first message as the Administrator of the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the passionate energy of industry professionals in Alberta. It is clear that you take your industry seriously, and are eager for it to remain professional, competent, and accountable to the Alberta public, who are your clients and customers.

I look forward to doing my part to ensure the smooth operation of RECA as the Government of Alberta considers how best to move forward with possible changes to RECA’s governance.

I also want everyone to understand that my role is temporary. The end goal, upon possible changes to the Real Estate Act, is the appointment of a new governing Council for RECA.

How did we get here?

As you are all aware, the Minister of Service Alberta began a Section 76 Review of RECA in January 2019, resulting in a Governance Review Report in July 2019. Based on the recommendations in the review, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 15, the Real Estate Amendment Act 2019, on October 30, 2019. The Bill dismissed the remaining Council members, and allowed the Minister of Service Alberta to appoint an Administrator to oversee the governance of RECA, with all the powers and obligations of Council.

I was honoured to accept the Minister’s appointment as Administrator on November 8, 2019.

I have worked within the regulatory world for my entire professional career, and have sat on many boards, including the YMCA and the China-Alberta Petroleum Center. I also bring extensive administration experience as a director and vice-president in the oil and gas industry.

What has happened so far?

I have spent the last three months learning, listening, and absorbing the realities of the day-to-day experience of industry professionals, the needs of real estate consumers, and the details of the excellent regulatory work done by RECA’s committed staff of professionals.

I want it to be absolutely clear to everyone in the industry that since the Section 76 review began in January 2019, the regulatory work at RECA has continued as normal, and will continue to work as normal moving forward. Nothing has changed in terms of licensing, education, and discipline. The standards of conduct and practice expected of professionals in Alberta remain in place.

There has also been direct consultation with industry associations conducted by Service Alberta towards the end of 2019 and into the New Year.

These consultations focused on the governance of RECA going forward, and the possible changes to the Real Estate Act in the Spring session of the Legislature.

I have also personally sat with associations, as well as with individual brokers, brokerages, and regulatory bodies for other industries in Alberta. I want to make sure every voice is heard not only by me, but also by Service Alberta. This is an important time in the real estate industry in Alberta, and it’s important for us to get it right.

It’s all about the public interest

RECA exists to provide a regulated environment that Alberta real estate consumers can trust. Consumer protection is at the core of all of RECA’s work, and it will continue to be moving forward.

I encourage all industry professionals to engage with Service Alberta, with myself, or with RECA when given the opportunity. We want to hear from you.