The Real Estate Council of Ontario announced it was revoking the registrations of 34 people who came through the Humber Real Estate Education program in 2021 after Humber informed the regulator of a pattern of what it called ‘deliberate and organized misconduct’ during examinations.MARK BLINCH/Reuters
Real estate brokers whose businesses were affected by a “learner misconduct” investigation at Humber College are questioning why it took months for Ontario’s regulator to act in the case.
On Nov. 2 the Real Estate Council of Ontario announced it was revoking the registrations of 34 people who came through the Humber Real Estate Education program in 2021. Press statements said RECO acted after Humber informed the regulator of a pattern of what it called “deliberate and organized misconduct” during examinations.
“I’m really disappointed with Humber,” said Ajay Shah, broker of record for Homelife/Miracle Realty Ltd. “What kind of quality they are giving? Who knows how many have gone through the cracks, and those people will handle millions of dollars in sales.” The brokerage, which has offices in Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton and Mississauga, had hired three of the recently suspended individuals. “A question I’m asking myself every morning: If people got caught who are cheating by some different way, why are they still doing this online program?”
In 2021, Humber became the sole program for educating real estate professionals in Ontario, taking over that role from the Ontario Real Estate Association. Mr. Shah and other brokers The Globe and Mail spoke to now question the security and integrity of Humber’s all-digital online examination process given this unprecedented rash of revocations. In addition to all-online course work, Humber students are able to schedule their final examination for times that best suit them and take the tests on any computer. Going digital is a change from OREA’s method of in-person exam rooms, and is potentially less secure than what other professional bodies demand. Even during the pandemic, organizations such as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada have had in-person monitoring of their accountancy exams.
Humber or RECO did not offer specifics on how the “learner misconduct” was organized, but did say that screen-mirroring software was detected on an exam-taker’s machine, which opens the possibility that exam questions were copied and shared with future test-takers. Some of the realtors who had their licences revoked spoke to The Globe on the condition that they not be identified. One said they were alleged to have completed the test too quickly – a red flag for Humber’s digital proctors. Humber said it reported the matter to the Toronto Police Service, but the details of the cases are confidential.
“I’ve been a broker-owner for 32 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Marilyn Ruttan, broker of record for RE/MAX By the Bay Brokerage in Wasaga Beach. She is urging RECO and Humber to allow more opportunity to appeal or address academic concerns, given the results could lead to a loss of livelihood.
Ms. Ruttan had hired one of the Humber students, Rashika David, over the summer and was shocked to find months later that there was an alleged issue with her credentials. Ms. David claims she didn’t receive an e-mail notification from Humber, and wasn’t aware until October that there was anything potentially amiss. Ms. Ruttan argues that rather than just sending an e-mail, Humber should send a copy of academic misconduct allegations via registered mail, much like RECO does when an enforcement issue comes up.
“I truly believe some of those people did cheat, but Rashika absolutely did not,” Ms. Ruttan said. “Humber is under no obligation to send her any proof that she cheated, and RECO automatically took away her licence. It’s shocking to me the college was given this much power.” She’s urging RECO to create an appeals board – separate from Humber – where registrants can make the case for keeping their licence. Ms. David declined to comment.
Mr. Shah is also incensed that Humber first discovered some of the issues as far back as April or May, and that RECO had also known about the allegations going back that far.
“Humber College informed RECO about the misconduct once Humber had confirmed the allegations in May 2021,” RECO said in a statement it attributed to registrar Joseph Richer. RECO declined to make Mr. Richer or any other RECO officials available for an interview on the topic, but said in a statement that once Humber completed its review and appeal process for all the affected students it acted quickly to revoke the registration of the affected individuals.
In the months between when RECO knew there was an investigation and when they revoked the licences, several of the agents in question worked on home sales, signed up clients and handled the kind of private and sensitive financial information that goes with a real estate transaction.
Mr. Shah compared the situation to a doctor who was giving care to patients while under investigation for academic misconduct from his medical school: Hospitals and patients would most likely wish to have known about the education issues as soon as possible. Worse, he says he has months where he brings in 50 agents to one of the five branches of his brokerage and he’s now reluctant to hire recent graduates from Humber. “I don’t have any kind of litmus test to say ‘okay’ or not. … I just have to assume if somebody comes to my table he did it genuinely?” he said.
Realtors who had their licence revoked were employed by a number of the largest broker franchises in the greater Toronto area, such as iPro Realty Corp., Save Max, Century 21 VIP Realty, RE/MAX Millennium, eXp Realty and Keller Williams.
Some of the students said they paid a for-profit tutoring service to help study for the exams, and are now concerned their association with those companies may have entangled them in a cheating scheme. There are several such programs operating in the Toronto area. Many are owned and operated by a registered real estate agent.
But RECO says it has no evidence that any of the tutoring services were connected to the “organized” scheme Humber said it uncovered. “If there is evidence that any RECO registrants were involved in these activities, RECO will investigate. We are also aware that both Humber College and the police are conducting their own investigations into the misconduct,” RECO said in e-mailed response to questions.
For those alleged to have committed the educational misconduct, there remains a path for them to return to real estate. Humber’s academic misconduct policies allow a student to finish incomplete courses after a period of suspension. A number of those former realtors The Globe spoke to say they will do just that.
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MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
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