From time to time, it is appropriate for us to comment on something that is in the news. However, our focus continues to be on raising the bar of professionalism and that begins with our practice of not commenting on matters that are ongoing. Whether it is an issue that falls within our jurisdiction, RECA’s or the courts, our position is that our members deserve due process. 

A small number of members and a few people who choose to remain anonymous have been asking what our position is on the situation with a brokerage that has recently been going through a challenging legal situation and includes the end of a franchise relationship. Our message is simple: our rules and laws must be fully and effectively enforced, and we don’t comment specifically on members. We also strive to stay focused on matters within our mandate as a local board, and trust our partner organizations to fulfill their roles at the provincial level. 

I could stop there, but based on building concerns of members about some side-commentary, I’ll share a few things our members could start, stop and continue. The vast majority of you conduct yourselves professionally and with integrity, because that’s who you are and who you choose to be. Much of what follows is not directed at you. 

Start 

First, start reflecting on the fact that people have been hurt in this situation. Members of the public and some CREB^® members lost money in this scheme. We should never lose sight of the deep trust the public puts in REALTORS^®. 

Start thinking about how the public (and the government) measures our response to a situation like this and start forming your own opinions based on facts. It is helpful to our personal brands, the CREB^® brand and the industry as a whole if we always carry out our business as professionally as possible. Questions and complaints are welcome and encouraged using well-established processes. However, the way a few members voice concerns can cause collateral damage and distract from real issues. 

We are embracing the REALTOR^® code of honour most effectively when each of us (I’m including non-members such as me and staff in general) is reflexively empathetic to consumers hurt by the misguided among us and we are unaccepting of non-compliant behaviour. 

Stop 

Stop the public commentary about agents who were forced to change brokerages. If you truly care about your colleagues navigating an unwanted and challenging change imposed on their business, stop talking about them. Go talk with them. These are good people with lots to give back to this industry; support them by buying them coffee or lunch and just connecting. 

Stop hiding. If you can’t sign your name to a post, email or a letter, keep it to yourself. I personally have received an anonymous email, mail and an anonymous call from someone using a text-to-voice app. Many of our directors have received anonymous emails, some multiple times, as well. It frustrates me that our volunteer leaders have been subjected to this abusive, bullying behaviour. So please, just stop being anonymous and let’s talk. 

Please also stop posting anonymous questions online that are veiled messages. If you have a question of CREB^® or RECA, ask it directly! We get better at what we do thanks to feedback and thoughtful interaction. 

Continue 

All of us need to continue to have faith in our enforcement agencies. To those few who have asked what we are doing about this situation: be assured that when we see a CREB^® Rule or Policy that needs to be enforced, we will always do so with impartiality, fairness and resolve. We stay in our lane, and we never hesitate to engage with other enforcement agencies if we see gaps emerging of concern to our members. We believe in the principles of due process, innocent until proven guilty, and constant process improvement when emerging gaps are fully understood. 

I would also urge everyone to continue to have faith first in our provincial government, who is responsible for the effective regulation of our industry and, in turn, RECA. The details about this situation are not fully known and may not be available to us until the legal process is completed, which could be two or three years from now. This process must come first. 

Continue to be confident that eventually all will be known. Our industry has evolved to provide much greater transparency. I remain convinced that the leadership in the Alberta real estate business will turn this series of events into improvements that grow the public’s confidence in Alberta real estate professionals. 

Above all, please continue to be the professionals I know who ardently protect consumers, treating everyone they encounter with respect and care. Most of our members conduct their affairs with the highest ethical standards, even when no one is looking. Thank you and please continue to set the bar for this industry as high as possible, in all ways and always.