There are two Committees involved in the complaints process, the Complaints Committee and the Discipline Committee. The committees are composed of brokers and public members, appointed by the government to protect the public interest. All of the latter proceedings take place at the RIBO office, however RIBO staff are not involved in the decision-making process.
The Complaints Committee consists of two Brokers and a Public Member. They evaluate the evidence and merit of a complaint. If it is determined that there is sufficient evidence to indicate a possible misconduct, the matter is referred to the Discipline Committee.
The Discipline Committee consists of four Brokers and a Public Member and conducts hearings very similar to that of a court of law. Evidence is introduced during the hearing and testimony is given under oath in the presence of a court reporter. The Committee determines the facts and makes findings of innocence or guilt based on the evidence presented. In the event a broker is found guilty of misconduct, this Committee has the authority to reprimand, impose additional educational or financial reporting requirements, restrict, suspend, fines up to a maximum of $25,000 for an individual broker and $100,000 for brokerage firms, or revoke a registration.
It is important to realize that in all complaint cases there is a presumption of innocence and RIBO is required to prove the alleged misconduct in accordance with the RIB Act, Regulations and By-laws. To proceed with the submission of a complaint, click here.
To see the full details of the updated complaints and discipline process, please refer to our Changes to Complaints Discipline Process II web post.