ACMO Comments on the White Paper on Proposed Licensing of ...

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level of training would not serve the B.C. condominium community. As the review of the
courses readily makes apparent, specific training on condominiums is required. General
property management courses or supplemental courses to other training is not sufficient.
<strong>ACMO</strong> does provide for educational exemptions to the course, e.g. a commerce graduate
would not be required to take the financial course. There is also an experience exemption
if a manager can demonstrate that they have a minimum of five years directly managing
condominiums. However, it is important to note that there are no exemptions to writing
the RCM exam. This exam is all inclusive of the course material and has a 75 per cent
pass grade. There is a moderate failure rate and those managers are encouraged to take
the course(s) in their weak area(s).
Regulatory Options
After reviewing the two regulatory options, <strong>ACMO</strong>’s strong recommendation is to use
the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO). There are several reasons for this opinion.
First, the Barrett Report was correct to identify the potential for conflict between the
goals of the real estate sector and those of the condominium management and owners.
The real estate agent may do initial work for the developer of the condominium and may
not be forthcoming on all aspects of the building. Once the unit is sold, the agent has no
interest in the ongoing maintenance of the facility or in the future governance issues. It is
also the experience in Ontario that any real estate agents involved in management are
typically involved in commercial or rental. As noted above, the condominium sector
requires dedicated and specifically trained condominium managers. Finally, the HPO
clearly has the homeowner’s interest foremost in its mandate.
Second, the HPO proposal correctly notes that education must be phased in and until that
occurs any individual licensing should be reserved. In contrast, the REC model would
have individuals licensed notwithstanding that the managers have no additional skills or
knowledge. This is clearly not in the public interest.
Third, The HPO has experience in licensing in the construction area, an area of greatest
concern in the B.C. condominium community.
Fourth, licensing under HPO would ensure that the distinct and unique aspects of
condominium management is maintained and not commingled into real estate which is an
entirely different business.
Fifth while assigning the responsibility to HPO may delay licensing, given the important
pubic interest issues, <strong>ACMO</strong> submits it is more important to do the regulation properly
than quickly. Key aspects of the firm level regulation could begin with individual
licensing tied to the development of education programs.