The regulatory agency that oversees the B.C. real estate market says it will co-operate with law enforcement if an investigation is launched into allegations of sexual assault by three Victoria-area real estate agents.
In a statement late Monday, the Real Estate Council of B.C., which regulates and enforces the conduct of agents, said it was deeply concerned by allegations levelled at three Victoria men and commended the courage of the individuals who came forward to tell their stories.
“RECBC’s position is clear: any act of sexual abuse, misconduct or violence by a real estate professional towards a member of the public, a client, or a colleague is unacceptable,” the statement said.
The organization said it has the power to investigate and discipline real estate professionals for conduct that undermines public confidence in the real estate industry or that brings the real estate industry into disrepute.
Penalties can include fines or cancellation of a real estate licence.
“All real estate professionals are expected to act with integrity, honesty, and professionalism,” it said.
Last week, two agents at The Agency Victoria were fired after three women made detailed allegations on the Vancouver Island Instagram account @survivorstoriesprojects.
A third agent, who worked at Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island, was dismissed over the weekend after a woman posted allegations saying she had been drugged and sexually assaulted by a real estate agent after a party in Oak Bay in October 2019. The woman said she went to hospital for a forensic examination and made a formal complaint to police, but the investigation “went nowhere.”
Saanich police, which investigates major crimes in Oak Bay, could not confirm whether they investigated or are investigating the allegations.
“We are only able to confirm an investigation is ongoing if there is an investigative purpose or if there is a risk to public safety,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades. “We also have a duty to protect everyone’s rights that may be involved in police investigations, as is upheld in the charter and in privacy laws in Canada.
“We must also be aware of information shared that could compromise any ongoing investigation.”
James LeBlanc, co-owner at Engel & Volkers, said the allegations are “disturbing and deeply concerning for all of us in the real estate industry.”
Leblanc said the company supports the survivors who have come forward and is committed to working with the community to make it clear that sexual harassment and assault have no place in society.
Engel & Volkers co-owner Scott Piercy said the four listings being handled by the agent were transferred back to the brokerage on Monday and will be handled by himself and Leblanc.
The agent’s licence has been returned to the Real Estate Council of B.C.
Piercy said the allegations have hurt the business and the industry, and he pointed out the brokerage requires all of its agents to abide by “an internal code of conduct, stringent reputational standards and maintain the highest ethical principles.”
“The last few days have been very difficult for all of us. As a company, we have held sexual harassment counselling sessions, trauma support and sensitivity training for our entire team. Those supports and resources will continue,” he said, adding the brokerage contributed $10,000 to an online fundraising campaign for the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.
“This is our community and we are committed to education and action to speak out against sexualized violence and harassment.”
Both the Victoria Real Estate Board and the B.C. Real Estate Association issued statements Monday saying they were disturbed by the allegations and pledged support for the victims of the sexual assaults.
“Above all, our thoughts are with the individuals who have had the courage to share their experiences,” said VREB president David Langlois.
“We as a community need to do better — we as an organization are committed to finding ways where we can contribute to positive change,” Langlois said.
The BCREA also acknowledged the courage of those who have come forward, adding: “Sexual assault has no place in society.”
The Real Estate Council of B.C. has an anonymous tip line to report misconduct by a real estate professional. Call 1-833-404-0647 or go online to recbc.ca/public-protection/report-concern.
aduffy@timescolonist.com
— With a file from Louise Dickson
