PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The OACIQ Discipline Committee provisionally suspends
Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin
Brossard, July 20, 2023 – The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) has obtained a provisional suspension of the real estate broker’s licence of Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin after a motion and a disciplinary complaint were filed with the Discipline Committee by the OACIQ Syndic on May 25, 2023.
The Syndic argued that he had enough evidence to show that Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin set up a fraudulent scheme to encourage buyers to enhance their initial promise to purchase, notably by submitting a bogus promise to purchase to sellers.
Therefore, at the Syndic’s request, the Discipline Committee – an autonomous and independent entity of the OACIQ created under the Real Estate Brokerage Act – ordered the provisional suspension, an exceptional measure, since the offences allegedly committed are of such a nature that the protection of the public would be compromised if Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin continued their real estate brokerage activities. Ms. Girouard and Mr. Dauphinais-Fortin may no longer engage in any real estate brokerage activities, such as soliciting clients or showing properties. They must not have any brokerage contracts in force or use the real estate broker title until a final decision is rendered by the Discipline Committee. Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin could face sanctions up to and including a permanent suspension.
"The protection of the public and the seriousness of the alleged offences dictated urgent action, and we are pleased that the Discipline Committee has sided with the Syndic's arguments," explains Me Caroline Champagne, Vice-President, Enforcement of Practices at the OACIQ. "The OACIQ implements the public protection measures set out in the Real Estate Brokerage Act. As a reminder, consumers who believe they have been harmed by fraudulent tactics committed by a licensee may file a claim with the Real Estate Indemnity Fund.”
Committee agreed with the Syndic's arguments," explains Me Caroline Champagne, Vice-President, Enforcement of Practices at the OACIQ.
About the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ)
The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) ensures the protection of members of the public who enlist the services of real estate brokerage professionals governed by the Real Estate Brokerage Act. It is a member of the Real Estate Regulators of Canada (RERC), an organization that brings together all Canadian regulators in the area of real estate brokerage, building inspection, and co-ownership property management for some provinces.
For more information: medias@oaciq.com
