The two real estate agents, who are said to have set up a fraudulent scheme aimed at tricking buyers into improving their initial purchase promise, specifically by giving sellers a false purchase promise, have been temporarily suspended by the Quebec real estate agency self-regulatory organization (OACIQ).
The OACIQ trustee said he had “sufficient evidence that Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin implemented a fraudulent scheme”.
This temporary suspension, “an exceptional measure,” according to OACIQ, means the two brokers will no longer be able to conduct real estate brokerage, have brokerage contracts in effect, or hold the title of real estate agent “pending a final determination” of the ruling will be decided by the Disciplinary Committee.”
Sanctions ranging up to a permanent ban could then be imposed on Christine Girouard and Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin.
“The protection of the public and the seriousness of the alleged crimes required urgent action, and we are pleased that the Disciplinary Committee agreed with the Syndic’s arguments,” said Me Caroline Champagne, OACIQ Vice President for Oversight.
It should be noted that on May 25, the General Counsel of OACIQ referred a request and a disciplinary complaint to the Disciplinary Committee, particularly after the media exposed the facts alleged against the two individuals.