December 13, 2010
TO:         Real Estate Industry Members and Other Stakeholders
FROM:  The Real Estate Council of Alberta and the Alberta Real Estate Association
RE:         Delivery of Licensing Education Transfers from AREA to RECA

A multi-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) is coming to a conclusion. This agreement provides for AREA to administer, on behalf of RECA, Alberta’s real estate associate and brokers licensing programs.

Background:
When the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) was established in 1996, its mandate included responsibility for licensing and re-licensing education. At the time, RECA was not in a position to assume all aspects of this responsibility and looked to AREA to continue to participate in curriculum development and course registration and administration.

In 2008, RECA was able to assume responsibility for all aspects of its Re-licensing Education Program. Now, RECA and AREA have agreed it is an appropriate time for RECA to assume responsibility for the development and delivery of the real estate licensing education programs.

Current Situation:
RECA’s Memorandum of Understanding with AREA officially ends December 31, 2010. However, both parties have agreed to extend the agreement to allow for a staged transition, as follows:

Next Steps:
The timing of the transitions reflects when RECA anticipates it will be ready to deliver new online education material for each course.

On AREA’s part, the transition will allow for a shift in focus. While RECA will continue to ensure REALTORS® stay current on industry rules and regulations and the Real Estate Act itself through relicensing education, AREA will expand the range of professional development opportunities available to REALTORS®. These offerings will range from quick, direct-to-your-inbox tutorials on prevalent practice issues to an array of course offerings developed in-house or accessed through licensing agreements with REBAC and other course providers.

Both RECA and AREA recognize the importance of working together to support Alberta REALTORS®. A key aspect of this relationship is the contributions each organization makes, through input and feedback, to the plans and activities of the other organization. To this end, RECA and AREA are collaborating to identify areas of business the other organization should contribute to and when and how to best deliver this input to achieve the most value.

Both organizations look forward to enhancing their working relationship and their service to the Alberta real estate industry. For more information on RECA’s education programs and its “Core Values” click here

The Government of Alberta Transportation department recently brought the issue of using non-permitted advertising signs in provincial highway right-of-ways to RECA’s attention. Although Alberta Transportation had previously taken a tolerant attitude to non-permitted advertising signs along provincial highways, the increase of signage used by industry members has created a safety issue for the travelling public.

Section 11 of the Highway Development and Protection Regulation states this type of signage requires a permit from the Government of Alberta Highway Operations department.  Effective immediately, all real estate associates must apply for a no-cost permit for advertising signs outside of the highway right-of-way, and no signs are to be placed inside the right-of-way boundaries.  For example:

• The use of larger signs, mounted high enough to block a driver’s sight line and/or supported by dimensional lumber or other non-breakaway mounts are not acceptable along provincial highways.
• Sandwich board signs or other temporary signs for open houses, or short-term events, on or near the travelling surface of a provincial highway are not allowed.

Yard signs located on private property outside the highway right-of-way are not generally an issue.  Please note that small, temporary directional signs that don’t obstruct a driver’s view of an intersection or cause damage to vehicles that may run off the road will be left in place by Alberta Transportation for a reasonable period of time before removal.

Be advised that the Transportation Department will now follow their standard process to remove non-permitted real estate advertising signs.  For more information regarding this issue call or write to:

Steve Otto

Alberta Transportation

2nd Floor, 4999– 98th Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta.  T6B 2X3

1-780- 643-0796

Highway Development and Protection Regulation

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Telford as Chair of Council and Wayne McAlister as Chair Elect.

Mr. Telford is a real estate appraiser with McNally Land Services Ltd. and an associate broker with Home & Ranch Realty Ltd. He was nominated for Council by the provincial appraiser associations in 2007, and is now entering his second three-year term. Mr. Telford joined the real estate industry in 1989, and became Vice President of the Alberta Association of Professional Appraisers from 1998-2000 and President of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen in 2008. Mr. Telford is the first real estate appraiser to become Chair of Council.

Mr. McAlister is an associate broker with Re/Max Landan Real Estate in Calgary. He was nominated by the Calgary Real Estate Board and appointed to Council by the Alberta Real Estate Association. Mr. McAlister was appointed to Council in 2007 and is now entering his second three-year term. Mr. McAlister entered the real estate industry in 1978 and went on to become President of the Calgary Real Estate Board in 1995 and President of the Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation in 2004. In 2005 he received the Calgary Real Estate Board’s T.W.H. Saunders Award for dedication to the real estate industry and the community.

Mr. Telford and Mr. McAlister will serve in these positions for a one year term, ending on October 31, 2011.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On November 3, 2010 Ronan Kamdar, associate, currently unregistered but most recently registered with Sterling Realty (Alberta) Ltd. o/a Sterling Real applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with s.54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Kamdar was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he:

• Failed to properly deposit and disburse money held in a trust account [s.25(1)(b) and (d)of the Real Estate Act.]
• Failed to  ensure that the terms of the trust governing the use of the money were in writing and agreed to by the industry member and the client and any other parties [s.25(2) of the Real Estate Act]
• Failed to ensure that all transactions and the relevant documentation met legislative requirements found under the Act, the Bylaws, and these Rules; failed to provide all documentation required to the broker and failed to keep the broker informed of activities [s.23(d) (e) and (f) of the Real Estate Act Rules]
• Paid a commission or other remuneration, directly or indirectly, to any person resulting from or in connection with a trade in real estate or a deal in mortgages [s.24(1)(b) of the Real Estate Act Rules]
• Failed to act in the client’s best interests [s.2(a) of the Code of Conduct]

By virtue of operation of Part Three of the Real Estate Act, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Kamdar’s application to withdraw was approved by the Real Estate Council of Alberta and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On November 3, 2010 Janine Y. Kaddoura, currently unregistered but most recently registered with Vision Realty Inc. o/a Century 21 Bravo Realty applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance  with s.54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of her application, Ms. Kaddoura was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether she:

• Failed to act honestly [s.41 of the Rules]
• Participated in fraudulent or unlawful activities in connection with the provision of services or in any dealings [s.42(b) of the Rules]
• Failed to ensure that all trades in real estate and the relevant documentation meet legislative requirements found under the Act, Regulations, Rules and Bylaws [s.53(b) of the Rules]

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of Part Three of the Real Estate Act, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Ms Kaddoura’s application to withdraw was approved by the Real Estate Council of Alberta and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On November 3, 2010 Heather Liska, associate, currently unregistered but most recently registered with The Mortgage Alliance Company of Canada applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership in a accordance with s.54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of her application, Ms. Liska was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether she:

• Failed to act honestly; failed to provide competent service; failed to fulfill her fiduciary duties; failed to ensure her role as an industry member was clearly understood; failed to disclose any conflict of interest; failed to adhere to the Act, Regulations, Rule and Bylaws; failed to cooperate with an investigation [s.41(a)(b)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h) of the Real Estate Act Rules]
• Made representations or carried on conduct that was reckless or intentional; participated in fraudulent or unlawful activities; used confidential information for personal gain; engaged in conduct that undermines public confidence in the industry [s.42(a)(b)(c)(g) of the Real Estate Act Rules]

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of Part Three of the Real Estate Act, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Ms Liska’s application to application to withdraw was approved by the Real Estate Council of Alberta and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On November 3, 2010 Bradley O’Neil, real estate associate, previously registered with Century 21 Terrace Real Estate Ltd. and currently unlicensed,  applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership in accordance with s.54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. O’Neil was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he:

• Failed to notify, in writing, the executive director when proceedings to the Criminal Code were commenced against him and when he were convicted of a Criminal Code offence [s.40(1)(g) and (h) of the Real Estate Act Rules]
• Engaged in conduct that undermined public confidence in the industry, harms the integrity of the industry or brings the industry into disrepute and made representations or carried on conduct that was reckless or intentional or that misled or deceived a person or was likely to do so [s.42(a) and (g) of the Real Estate Act Rules]
• Directly or indirectly, advertised, communicated or offered to any person an incentive except an incentive that is provided by and on behalf of the brokerage with which you were registered [s.54(1)(d) of the Real Estate Act Rules]

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of Part Three of the Real Estate Act, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. O’Neil’s application to withdraw was approved by the Real Estate Council of Alberta and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from  industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On November 3, 2010 Harrison Tse, currently unregistered but most recently registered to Twin Oakes, Real Estate 1993Inc. o/a Re/Max House of Real Estate, applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with s.54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Tse was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he:

• Failed to act honestly [s.41(a) of the Real Estate Act Rules]
• Participated in fraudulent or unlawful activities in connection with the provision of services or any dealings [s.42(b) of the Real Estate Act Rules]

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of Part Three of the Real Estate Act, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Tse’s application to withdraw was approved by the Real Estate Council of Alberta and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)  is pleased to welcome Ken McCoy and Gordon Graydon to Council.

Ken McCoy was nominated by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton and appointed by the Alberta Real Estate Association. Mr. McCoy is currently an associate broker and manager at Royal Lepage Noralta Real Estate in Edmonton.  His prior industry experience includes Regional Manager with AE Lepage and Branch and Commercial Manager for Melton Real Estate. Mr. McCoy has served on the RECA Residential Real Estate Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2010. He also served six years on the Board of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton followed by ten years as a board member and President of the Real Estate Insurance Exchange.

Gordon Graydon is a member of the public appointed by the Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Service Alberta. Mr.Graydon was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 2001-2008, representing the electoral district of Grande Prairie-Wapiti. Mr Graydon served as Minister of Gaming from 2004 to 2006 and  in 2002 he chaired the MLA Task Force on Health Care Funding and Revenue Generation. Prior to becoming an MLA, Mr. Graydon served as Mayor of Grande Prairie from 1992 to 2000, served two years as President of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and was Chairman of the board of directors for the South Peace Health Unit.

Mr. McCoy and Mr. Graydon will  begin their 3-year terms on Council on November 1, 2010.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On August 24, 2010, pursuant to section 38(4.2) of the Real Estate Act, the executive director of the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the authorization of Tracey Kelly, real estate associate with ReMax Realty Horizon in Strathmore, Alberta.

As a result of this suspension, Tracey Kelly may not trade in real estate in Alberta at this time.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On August 17, 2010, the executive director of the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the authorization of Marc Jonathan St. Arnaud, most recently registered as a real estate associate with Royal Lepage Arteam Realty in Edmonton.

The suspension is in accordance with s. 38(4.2) of the Real Estate Act and occurred as a result of Mr. St Arnaud’s refusal to cooperate with a person conducting an investigation. As a result of this suspension, Marc Jonathan St. Arnaud may not trade in real estate in Alberta at this time.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating professionals in the real estate, mortgage broker and real estate appraisal industries under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, Jonathon Hogg, real estate associate, registered to Bow Valley Realty Ltd., applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Hogg was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

• failed to act fairly, honestly and with integrity when dealing with non – clients [s.7(b) of the Code of Conduct].

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Hogg’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, Pritpal Kalkat, former associate, Mortgage Alliance Walk In Centre, applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr.Kalkat was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

• created false documents for the purpose of obtaining mortgage financing by deceit [s.42(b) of the REA Rules].

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Kalkat’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, Sid John Reisner, real estate associate, unregistered, applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Reisner was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

• traded in real estate without proper authorization [s.17(a) of the REA]
• failed to act honestly [s.41(a) of the REA Rules],
• participated in fraudulent or unlawful activities in connection with the provision of a service [s.42(b) of the REA Rules],
• made representations that were reckless or intentional and that mislead or deceived a person or were likely to do so s.42(a) of the REA Rules],
• engaged in conduct that undermined public confidence in the industry, harmed the integrity of the industry or brought the industry into disrepute [s.42(g) of the REA Rules],
• failed to cooperate with RECA investigators [s.41(h) of the REA Rules]

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Reisner’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, Yadwinder Singh Grewal, real estate associate registered with All City Realty and formerly registered with the Real Estate Company Ltd., applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Grewal was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

• created false and misleading documents in support of a scheme to profit through obtaining mortgages by deceit [s.42(b) of the REA Rules].

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Grewal’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, William Cazabon, former mortgage associate registered with Mortgage Line Corp. and with MortgageBrokers.com Financial Group of Companies Inc. o/a MortgageBrokers.com, applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Cazabon was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

participated in the creation of documents he knew to be false or misleading to facilitate the issuance of mortgages through deceit [s.42(b) of the REARules]
encouraged a member of the public to participate in a scheme he knew was fraudulent or illegal [s.42(b) of the REA Rules]
At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Cazabon’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, Eric Cazabon, former mortgage associate registered with Mortgage Line Corp. and with MortgageBrokers.com Financial Group of Companies Inc. o/a MortgageBrokers.com, applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Cazabon was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

• created false and misleading documents in support of a scheme to profit through obtaining mortgages by deceit [s.42(b) of the REA Rules].

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Cazabon’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On July 7, 2010, Amandeep Singh Brar, mortgage associate most recently registered with Ace Capital Inc., and former mortgage associate registered with Mortgage Pro Ltd., applied to the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) to withdraw from industry membership, in accordance with section 54 of the Real Estate Act (REA).

At the time of his application, Mr. Brar was the subject of conduct proceedings to determine whether he

• created false and misleading documents in a scheme to facilitate obtaining mortgages by deceit [s.42(b) of the REA Rules]

At the time of the withdrawal application approval, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions or findings of fact.

By virtue of operation of the Real Estate Act, Part Three, conduct proceedings are discontinued.  Mr. Brar’s application to withdraw was approved by RECA and results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – In light of the recent advertisements regarding Pre-Auction Real Estate Events, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is sending this notice of advisory. RECA would like to remind consumers that if things sound too good to be true, they likely are.

Some examples of these claims are:

• buy property for pennies on the dollar
• cherry pick the best properties before the public has access
• purchase at rock-bottom prices

The Real Estate Council of Alberta urges the public to ask for independent real estate advice from a licensed industry member, hire a qualified real estate appraiser and seek advice from your lawyer before making any real estate purchases. RECA encourages consumers to log onto the RECA website, www.www.reca.ca, and perform a Licence Search. This search provides the current licence status of all industry members click here.

In the province of Alberta a person trading in real estate must have a valid licence to trade, issued through the Real Estate Council of Alberta.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On May 25, 2010, pursuant to section 38 of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director of the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the licence of Peter Francis Dean Palmiere, real estate associate registered with Calgary Independent Realty Ltd. o/a CIR Realty in Calgary, Alberta. As a result of this suspension, Peter Francis Dean Palmiere may not trade in real estate in Alberta at this time.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – Due to the recent BMO mortgage fraud case, RECA is issuing this formal position statement.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) sets and enforces standards of conduct for industry members in the real estate brokerage, mortgage brokerage and real estate appraisal industry.

RECA supports BMO’s legal action and the initiation of a criminal investigation. Where it can be established criminal activity has occurred, RECA encourages law enforcement agencies to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrators of mortgage fraud. We are reviewing the BMO statement of claim as it relates to our industry. While RECA does not regulate criminal matters, we will investigate the involvement of industry members named in the law suit as it relates to the possible contravention of our own legislation – The Real Estate Act of Alberta.

In light of the scale of this problem across Canada, and to protect consumer interests, RECA encourages all levels of government to provide additional funding to police agencies to facilitate effective mortgage fraud investigations. RECA also encourages financial institutions to institute real estate appraisals conducted by qualified, licenced appraisers, as part of the mortgage transaction.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On April 19, 2010, as a result of information received, pursuant to section 38(i) and section 35(2)(d) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the licences of Brigitte Graf as a real estate broker.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta has also suspended the license of the brokerage of which Brigitte Graf was the broker: Bauland Inc. o/a Casalta Management.

As a result of these suspensions, the brokerage and Brigitte Graf cannot trade in real estate at this time.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On February 17, 2010, pursuant to section 38(i) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director of the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the real estate appraisal licence of Bradley Dwayne McInnes. As a result of this suspension, Bradley Dwayne McInnes may not provide real estate appraisal services in Alberta at this time.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On February 10, 2010, pursuant to section 38(i) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director of the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the licence of Jonathan James Murphy, mortgage associate registered with Mortgage Architects Inc. o/a Mortgage Architects in Calgary, Alberta. As a result of this suspension, Jonathan James Murphy may not deal in mortgages in Alberta at this time.

The licence of Mortgage Architects Inc. o/a Mortgage Architects is not affected by this suspension.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal industry professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.

Calgary, Alberta – On January 26, 2010, as a result of information received, pursuant to s.38 of the Real Estate Act Rules, the Real Estate Council of Alberta suspended the licence of Rajbrinder Singh Brar, formerly registered as a mortgage associate.

As a result of this suspension, Rajbrinder Singh Brar cannot deal in mortgages in Alberta at this time.

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, mortgage broker, and real estate appraisal professionals under Alberta’s Real Estate Act. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.