News Release Archive
HOUSING/CONSUMER AFFAIRS--DRAFT REAL ESTATE LEGISLATION
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A Discussion Draft of new legislation to improve and
streamline the regulation of the real estate industry was
released today for consultation. Housing and Consumer
Affairs Minister Eleanor Norrie announced that she was
pleased the consultation process is going forward.
"Representatives of the Nova Scotia Real Estate Association
have been meeting with department officials for some time,
working to create a faster, less complicated licensing
process and system for handling consumer complaints", said
Mrs. Norrie. "This draft legislation reflects their work to
develop a simpler, more efficient system, and it's now time
to get input from other stakeholders."
The minister noted the proposed legislation will put
licensing and disciplinary matters under a new commission
made up of industry representatives and laypersons. "Having
consumers and laypersons on a commission overseeing the
industry is an important step forward," said Mrs. Norrie.
"It will improve openness and accountability."
The commission will provide an annual report and financial
statements to the Legislature. Mrs. Norrie said that the
proposed legislation will not result in significant changes
in the day to day affairs of real estate businesses.
Mrs. Norrie said, "The proposed changes will result in the
new commission handling the licensing and consumer complaint
activities now done by the department. These changes will
streamline the system for the industry and consumers."
Nova Scotia Real Estate Association President Ray Nelson
welcomed the minister's announcement and indicated that the
membership has supported this initiative.
"The association has held meetings across the province, and
our Legislative Committee has had representation from every
region." said Mr. Nelson. "There is solid support for these
changes and moving the legislation forward to benefit both
the public and the real estate industry."
Copies of the discussion draft are available from any office
of the Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs, Nova
Scotia Real Estate Association, or by contacting the Nova
Scotia Government Bookstore, 424-7580, or 1-800-526-6575.
-30-
EDITORS NOTE: Copies of the Discussion Draft are available
by calling 424-4492, or Public Enquiries toll free
1-800-670-4357.
Contact: Laurel Russell 902-424-4988
Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs
Doug Dixon 902-468-2515
Nova Scotia Real Estate Association
trp Feb. 15, 1996 - 3:23 p.m.
