RECA releases information to the media and the public when we have announcements, issue a consumer alert, suspend a licensee, or when licensees take a lifetime withdrawal. Media should contact communications@reca.ca for more information.
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December 17, 2020: RECA’s Board of Directors and Industry Councils
Calgary, Alberta—On December 1, 2020, the Real Estate Amendment Act came into force, creating a modern governance model for the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). A Board of Directors and four, industry-specific Industry Councils now govern residential real estate, commercial real estate, property management, and mortgage broker licensees in Alberta.
As part of the new model, the members of the four Industry Councils appoint one of their licensee members to RECA’s Board of Directors. Each Industry Council met between December 11 and December 14 to appoint their Board Member and to select their Industry Council Chair and Vice Chair.
RECA is pleased to announce the members of the Board of Directors and Industry Councils, including Chairs and Vice Chairs. Both Board and Industry Council members are appointed for 3-year terms, and can serve 2 terms consecutively. Look for more detailed biographical information on each member in the next edition of the Regulator Newsletter.
The Board of Directors is composed of three members of the public appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta, and four licensees, one appointed from each of the four Industry Councils from among their licensee members.
Patricia McLeod, Q.C. (Board Chair)
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Jai Parihar, MBA, CFA, ICD.D
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Shirish Chotalia, Q.C.
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Bill Briggs
Appointed by the Residential Real Estate Broker Industry Council
Laura Sharen, RPA, CPM
Appointed by the Commercial Real Estate Broker and Commercial Property Manager Industry Council
Carrie Plett
Appointed by the Residential Property Manager Industry Council
Paul Bojakli
Appointed by the Mortgage Broker Industry Council
Each Industry Council is comprised of two members of the public appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta, and three licensees from that particular sector, elected by other licensees from that sector.
Sano Stante, CCIM, ICD.D (Chair)
Elected by residential real estate licensees
Brad Kopp (Vice Chair)
Elected by residential real estate licensees
Brad Hamdon, ICD.D
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Erika Ringseis, Ph.D., J.D.
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Bill Briggs
Elected by residential real estate licensees
Terry Engen (Chair)
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Brittanee Laverdure (Vice Chair)
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Laura Sharen, RPA, CPM
Elected by commercial licensees
Ben Van Dyk, Certified Agricultural Farm Advisor, RLI REALTORS® Land Institute
Elected by commercial licensees
VACANT
Elected by commercial licensees
Don Newell, FCPA, ICD.D (Chair)
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Don Brown (Vice Chair)
Elected by property management and condominium management licensees
Cyril Pratt
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Carrie Plett
Elected by property management and condominium management licensees
Keith McMullen
Elected by property management and condominium management licensees
Gord Appel, AMP (Chair)
Elected by mortgage broker licensees
Paul Bojakli (Vice Chair)
Elected by mortgage broker licensees
Nkem Onyegbula, MBA, CMC, CMCS Prosci
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Guy Ouellette
Appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta from the public
Clarence Lee
Elected by mortgage broker licensees
Share this story on social media – December 17, 2020: RECA’s Board of Directors and Industry Councils
Calgary, Alberta – The first ever RECA Industry Council elections ran from November 17-23, 2020, resulting in 3,086 voters (21% of eligible voters) electing nine licensees to the four Industry Councils. In addition to the nine elected licensees, two licensees were acclaimed due to only one candidate being eligible for two particular seats, and a by-election will occur in December or January for the Urban seat of the Commercial Real Estate Broker and Commercial Property Management Industry Council, which did not have any eligible candidates during the election.
Service Alberta has also announced the public members appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta to the RECA Board of Directors (3) and to each Industry Council (2 each). Service Alberta received dozens of applications in September 2020, and interested individuals were interviewed and reviewed by Service Alberta, and ultimately approved by the Minister to ensure they were the right individuals to represent the public on RECA’s Board of Directors and Industry Councils.
The election results and publicly-appointed members are listed below.
(3 publicly-appointed members and 4 licensee members, one from each Industry Council)
*To be determined by the Industry Council from among their members
Industry (elected candidates in bold)
Public Members
Industry (elected candidates in bold)
Public Members
Industry (elected candidates in bold)
Public Members
Industry (elected candidates in bold)
Public Members
Share to social: December 1, 2020: Announcing the 2020 Industry Council Election Results and the Newly-Appointed Public Members
Calgary, Alberta—On November 30, 2020, the Administrator of the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) suspended the real estate licence of Gagandeep Singh. Mr. Singh is not authorized to trade in real estate or deal in mortgages.
RECA determined it is in the public interest to temporarily suspend Mr. Singh. Allegations against Mr. Singh include:
Mr. Singh’s licences will remain suspended until current proceedings, under Part 3 of the Real Estate Act concerning his conduct, are concluded.
Mr. Singh was most recently registered as a real estate associate with Grand Realty and Management o/a Grand Realty and as a mortgage associate with Grand Financial Group Ltd. o/a Dominion Lending Centres Grand Financial.
Share on social media: November 30, 2020: Gagandeep Singh – Real Estate and Mortgage Licences Suspended
Calgary, Alberta – October 28, 2020, the RECA executive director suspended the brokerage licence of Connelly & Company Management Ltd.
Under Section 35(2)(b) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director may suspend the licence of a brokerage if the executive director receives information that indicates the individual who is registered as the broker has resigned or ceased to be the broker.
All active trades in real estate involving this brokerage are affected. Brokerages or consumers who have pending purchases, leases, or sales with deposits being held in trust with this brokerage should consider amending their purchase contract to transfer their trust deposit to a different brokerage or lawyer.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this suspension, please contact RECA at: 1-888-425-2754, or by email at: info@reca.ca.
Share this story: October 28, 2020 – Connelly & Company Management Ltd. Brokerage Licence Suspended
Calgary, Alberta—On October 13, 2020, the Administrator of the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) suspended the real estate licence of Larry Hahn. Mr. Hahn is not authorized to trade in real estate.
RECA determined it is in the public interest to temporarily suspend Mr. Hahn. Allegations against Mr. Hahn include:
Mr. Hahn’s licence will remain suspended until current proceedings, under Part 3 of the Real Estate Act concerning his conduct, are concluded.
Mr. Hahn was most recently registered as a real estate associate with Re/Max Real Estate (Edmonton) Ltd. o/a Re/Max Real Estate.
Share this story to social media: October 13, 2020 – Larry Hahn Real Estate Licence Suspended
Calgary, AB – On July 17, 2020, an Appeal Panel for the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) Dismissed the Executive Director’s appeal on the sanction imposed against Mehboob Ali Merchant. The Hearing Panel’s decision stands.
On October 17, 2019, a Hearing Panel for RECA cancelled the real estate licence of Mehboob Ali Merchant, effective October 17, 2019. Mr. Merchant is not eligible to reapply for any new licence from RECA until October 18, 2020. Mr. Merchant must also pay $21,000 in fines and $1,500 in costs.
As a result of this cancellation, Mr. Merchant may not trade in real estate in Alberta. Before being eligible to apply for a licence Mr. Merchant must successfully satisfy all pre-licensing education requirements.
Mr. Merchant was registered with Century 21 Platinum Realty Inc. O/A Century 21 Platinum Realty.
Share this story to social media: July 24, 2020 – Mehboob Ali Merchant: Appeal Dismissed. Real Estate Licence Cancelled
Calgary, Alberta – On July 23, 2020, Adnan Ishaq, previously a real estate associate in Calgary, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Ishaq was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Ishaq:
At the time of Mr Ishaq’s application, the matter had not been heard by a RECA Hearing Panel and no finding of conduct deserving of sanction has been made.
Under the Real Estate Act, Mr. Ishaq’s withdrawal application has been approved, resulting in conduct proceedings discontinuance and voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.
Share this story on social media: July 23, 2020 – Adnan Ishaq: Lifetime Withdrawal from Industry
Calgary, Alberta – On July 23, 2020, Wonjun Choi, previously a real estate associate in Edmonton, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Choi was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Choi:
At the time of Mr Choi’s application, the matter had not been heard by a RECA Hearing Panel and no finding of conduct deserving of sanction has been made.
Under the Real Estate Act, Mr. Choi’s withdrawal application has been approved, resulting in conduct proceedings discontinuance and voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership.
Share this story on social media: July 23, 2020 – Wonjun Choi: Lifetime Withdrawal from Industry
Calgary, Alberta – June 25, 2020, the RECA executive director suspended the brokerage licence of Orca Pacific Alliance Mortgage & Refinancing Services Ltd.
Under Section 35(2)(b) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director may suspend the licence of a brokerage if the executive director receives information that indicates the individual who is registered as the broker has resigned or ceased to be the broker.
All active deals in mortgages involving this brokerage are affected. Brokerages or consumers who have pending mortgage deals with this brokerage should consider amending their agreements, reaching out to other brokerages, or if possible, contacting their lenders.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this suspension, please contact RECA at: 403-228-2954, or by email at: info@reca.ca.
Share this story on social media: June 25, 2020 – Orca Pacific Alliance Mortgage & Refinancing Services Ltd. Brokerage Licence Suspended
Calgary, Alberta – June 24, 2020, the RECA executive director suspended the brokerage licence of Roots Realty & Management Inc.
Under Section 35(2)(b) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director may suspend the licence of a brokerage if the executive director receives information that indicates the individual who is registered as the broker has resigned or ceased to be the broker.
All active trades in real estate involving this brokerage are affected. Brokerages or consumers who have pending purchases, leases, or sales with deposits being held in trust with this brokerage should consider amending their purchase contract to transfer their trust deposit to a different brokerage or lawyer.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this suspension, please contact RECA at: 403-228-2954, or by email at: info@reca.ca.
Share this story on social media: June 24, 2020 – Roots Realty & Management Inc. Brokerage Licence Suspended
Calgary, Alberta – On May 20, 2020, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) cancelled the licence of Mountain Park Real Estate Ltd. in Calgary.
Under Section 35(1)(c) of the Real Estate Act Rules, RECA may cancel the licence of a brokerage if an investigator or auditor of RECA is denied access to the registered business office or to any or all records of the brokerage or, is in any way, prevented from carrying out their duties and responsibilities under the Real Estate Act.
As a result of the brokerage licence cancellation, the registrations of any industry professionals who were registered with this brokerage are cancelled and service agreements with this brokerage end. To read more about what to do if your brokerage shuts down, or if a brokerage you are dealing with shuts down, please see the Information Bulletin: When your real estate brokerage closes.
All active trades in real estate involving this brokerage are affected. Brokerages or consumers who have pending purchases or sales with deposits being held in trust with this brokerage should contact RECA and amend their purchase contract to transfer their trust deposit to a different brokerage or lawyer.
RECA has taken steps to protect consumer funds. If you have questions or concerns regarding the cancellation of this brokerage licence, or if you have funds being held in trust by this brokerage, please contact RECA at: 403-228-2954, or by email at: info@reca.ca.
Want to share this story? Link to it directly: May 20, 2020 — Mountain Park Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage Authorization Cancellation
Calgary, Alberta – On April 8, 2020, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) suspended the licence of Realstar Management Limited.
Under Section 35(2)(b) of the Real Estate Act Rules, the executive director may suspend the licence of a brokerage if the executive director receives information that indicates the individual who is registered as the broker has resigned or ceased to be the broker.
All active trades in real estate involving this brokerage are affected. Brokerages or consumers who have pending purchases, leases, or sales with deposits being held in trust with this brokerage should consider amending their purchase contract to transfer their trust deposit to a different brokerage or lawyer.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the suspension of this brokerage, please contact RECA at: 403-228-2954, or by email at: info@reca.ca.
Want to share this story? Link to it directly: April 8, 2020 – Realstar Management Limited Brokerage Licence Suspended
Calgary, Alberta – On April 8, 2020, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) suspended the licence of Mountain Park Real Estate Ltd., following the suspension of its broker, Warren Phipps, on March 26, 2020 and the subsequent failure to register a replacement broker with the brokerage.
As a result of the brokerage licence suspension, the registrations of any industry professionals who were registered with this brokerage are cancelled and service agreements with this brokerage end. To read more about what to do if your brokerage shuts down, or if a brokerage you are dealing with shuts down, please see the Information Bulletin: When your real estate brokerage closes.
All active trades in real estate involving this brokerage are affected. Brokerages or consumers who have pending purchases, leases, or sales with deposits being held in trust with this brokerage should consider amending their purchase contract to transfer their trust deposit to a different brokerage or lawyer.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the suspension of this brokerage, please contact RECA at: 403-228-2954, or by email at: info@reca.ca.
Want to share this story? Link to it directly: April 8, 2020 – Mountain Park Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage Licence Suspended
Calgary, Alberta—On March 26, 2020, Simon Yohanes Kidane Golom, previously a real estate associate in Lethbridge, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Golom was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Golom:
At the time of Mr. Golom ‘s withdrawal from industry, the investigation was complete and ready to proceed to a hearing.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Mr. Golom ‘s application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
Want to share this story? Link to it directly: March 26, 2020 – Simon Yohanes Kidane Golom: Lifetime Withdrawal from Industry
Calgary, Alberta—On March 26, 2020, Bruce Campbell Carr, previously a mortgage associate in Drayton Valley, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Carr was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Carr:
At the time of Mr. Carr’s withdrawal from industry, the investigation was not complete and therefore, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Mr. Carr’s application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
Want to share this story? Link to it directly: March 26, 2020 – Bruce Campbell Carr: Lifetime Withdrawal from Industry
Calgary, Alberta—On March 26, 2020, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) suspended the real estate licence of Warren Constantine Phipps. Mr. Phipps is not authorized to trade in real estate.
RECA determined it is in the public interest to temporarily suspend Mr. Phipps. Allegations against Mr. Phipps include:
Mr. Phipps’ licence will remain suspended until current proceedings, under Part 3 of the Real Estate Act concerning his conduct, are concluded.
Mr. Phipps was most recently registered as a real estate broker with Mountain Park Real Estate Ltd.
Want to share this story? Link directly to it: March 26, 2020 – Warren Constantine Phipps: Real Estate Licence Suspended
Calgary, AB – The evolving recommendations around the COVID-19 pandemic has left many real estate consumers worried about current and planned real estate transactions, especially since they typically involve a lot of interaction with other people’s private space, including meetings, open houses, and property viewings.
RECA strongly encourages consumers to talk to their real estate professionals about any concerns with COVID-19 when selling, buying, leasing, or renting property in Alberta. RECA has advised all real estate professionals and property managers in Alberta to reach out to clients during this time to discuss options during the pandemic.
RECA has prepared extensive information around COVID-19 and Real Estate for licensed professionals, and they are prepared to answer their client’s real estate questions and concerns.
RECA has also prepared materials specifically for consumers to assist them in considering their risk tolerances associated with COVID-19 as it relates to real estate transactions, and to foster meaningful discussions with their real estate professionals to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
COVID-19 poses different levels of risk to buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. Real estate solutions need to reflect individual risks. Together, real estate professionals and their clients can do their part to mitigate their individual exposure to COVID-19 and to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta.
Want to share this story? Link directly to it: March 18, 2020 – Buying, Selling, Leasing, or Renting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Calgary, Alberta – On January 22, 2020, Karen Lynn Blain, previously a real estate associate in Calgary, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of her application, Ms. Blain was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Ms. Blain:
At the time of Ms. Blain’s withdrawal from industry, the investigation was not complete and there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Ms. Blain’s application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
Calgary, Alberta – On January 22, 2020, Barry Coggins, previously a real estate broker in Linden, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Coggins was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Coggins:
At the time of Mr. Coggins’ withdrawal from industry, the investigation was not complete and there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Mr. Coggins application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
Calgary, Alberta – On January 22, 2020, Christine Joy Coggins, previously a real estate broker in Linden, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of her application, Ms. Coggins was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Ms. Coggins:
At the time of Ms. Coggins’ withdrawal from industry, the investigation was not complete and there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Ms. Coggins application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
Calgary, Alberta – On January 22, 2020, Trevor William Fenn, previously a real estate and mortgage associate in Calgary, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Fenn was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Fenn:
At the time of Mr. Fenn’s withdrawal from industry, the investigation was not complete and there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Mr. Fenn application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
Calgary, Alberta – On January 22, 2020, Jay Harder, formerly a real estate associate in Calgary, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of his application, Mr. Harder was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Mr. Harder:
At the time of Mr. Harder’s withdrawal from industry, the investigation was complete, and RECA was ready to proceed with this matter. However, there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Mr. Harder application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued
Calgary, Alberta – On January 22, 2020, Balbir Kaur Kainth, previously a real estate associate in Calgary, applied to permanently withdraw from industry membership.
At the time of her application, Ms. Kainth was the subject of an investigation under the Real Estate Act. The issues under investigation were whether Ms. Kainth:
At the time of Ms. Kainth’s withdrawal from industry, the investigation was not complete and there had been no disciplinary hearing, admissions, or findings of fact.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta approved Ms. Kainth application to withdraw, and this results in a voluntary lifetime prohibition from industry membership; conduct proceedings are now discontinued.
