This is a story worth keeping an eye on.
It’s not often that a group of businesspeople bite the hand of their regulator but that’s exactly what’s happening as the province’s realtors’ association criticizes the Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission for its handling of discipline for two realtors involved in the Epic Alliance saga.
Here are some subtleties to consider. The Realtors’ Association promotes the profession. The Real Estate Commission is the disciplinary body and it took years to mete out a penalty to the agents involved. Even the penalty itself was criticized as too light by the Association.
All of this comes at a time when the entire concept of self-disciplining bodies is getting reviewed. These include a wide range of professionals – from lawyers and accountants to, most recently, teachers being added to the list in this province.
But other jurisdictions are looking at the structure of these organizations, asking whether they need updating. This is especially true in light of calls for more streamlining of inter-provincial barriers that force professionals to requalify when moving across Canada.
— For more than 50 years, Paul Martin has specialized in coverage of the business and political scenes. His career has spanned radio, television and print and electronic media.
