Lawsuit Against DuProprio Inc. - Mindful of Its Impact on Public Protection, OACIQ Appeals Court of Québec Decision

MONTREAL, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - In its judgment issued on November 28, 2011, the Court of Québec, presided by Ms. Nicole Martin, acquitted DuProprio Inc. of the six (6) charges laid against the company. Mindful of the impact such a decision may have on public protection, the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) will appeal the decision.

"We have serious causes to believe that DuProprio has committed several infractions to the Real Estate Brokerage Act, said Mr. Robert Nadeau, President and CEO of the OACIQ, which is why we are appealing this decision".

In its lawsuit initiated in 2009, the OACIQ contested DuProprio's merchandising methods on the grounds that they led to believe that the company was authorized to perform real estate brokerage acts, despite having no accreditation to do so.

The Court of Québec's decision reiterates the public order aspect of the Real Estate Brokerage Act and the necessity to protect the public. Unlike real estate brokers, DuProprio does not offer any of the protection provided under the Real Estate Brokerage Act.

"Consumers must have the assurance that the transaction in which they engage upon when purchasing a home is in accordance with the Act and that they benefit from all relevant protective mechanisms, concluded Mr. Nadeau. As such, we will strive to have the Superior Court of Québec overturn the judgment".

About the OACIQ
The OACIQ's main mission is to ensure public protection by supervising and overseeing the professional activities of real estate brokers in accordance with the Real Estate Brokerage Act. In this regard, it is responsible for applying the rules of professional conduct and conducting inspection of licence holders. The OACIQ also helps promoting brokers' skills and professionalism among public, particularly by the quality of its trainings. In addition, the OACIQ ensures the development of best practices in real estate and mortgage brokerage in Quebec.

To schedule an interview with Robert Nadeau, President and CEO of the OACIQ, or to obtain any other information, please contact: 

Maude Bolduc / Simon Deslauriers
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
514-842-2455, ext. 28 / 514-842-2455, ext. 22
Cell. : 514-743-6248 / 514-234-3969
[email protected] / [email protected]