PRESS RELEASE

December 2, 2014

Band-Aid Fix for Condominiums Not Enough

New Act lacks input from owners, relies heavily on undebated and yet to be developed regulations
Edmonton - The Canadian Condominium Institute, North Alberta Chapter is voicing its concerns with Bill 9 the Condominium Property
Amendment Act, introduced by the Government of Alberta on December 1, 2014.
Despite nearly five years of consultation, and two revisions of the legislation, The Alberta Government continues to fall short on
protecting condominium owners and addressing long standing issues in the industry. CCI North Alberta says the province has ignored
their call for consumer protection measures and strict Builder/Developer accountability.
Anand Sharma, President of CCI North Alberta, indicated that, The public has had no time to provide input on Bill 9, the most important
pieces of legislation to impact condominium in nearly two decades and personally affects those living in condominiums.
Key policy issues that needed significant changes such as insurance, property manager accreditation and training, and document
disclosure to owners are not detailed in legislation. These critical issues will be legislated behind closed doors and outside the
Legislature where elected officials and the public have input, said Sharma.
CCI North Alberta will be proposing amendments to the legislation in the following areas:
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Section 26 : Voting Procedures and Processes

Section 30: Financial Reporting
Section 29: Convening of Meeting to Elect First Board
Section 39: Contributions and Accountability of Problem Owners
Section 31: Rules and Regulations Set by Board of Directors
Section 43: Bank Account Information

These amendments are just a few examples of necessary changes to Bill 9, and we are asking that the bill be deferred until the spring
to allow condominium owners to provide input added Sharma.
CCI North Alberta is pleased with the Acts provisions for a tribunal that will address some issues facing condominium owners.
We have been asking for a disputes resolutions model that would allow owners to seek resolutions outside of the court system, and we
are pleased that the Alberta Government has responded with the establishment of a tribunal, stated Sharma.
Changes advocated by CCI when Bill 13 was previously introduced included adding financial reporting requirements back into the
legislation and dropping provisions that would force a Board of Directors to return unused special assessment funds back to the owners.
CCI North Alberta is pleased that both issues have been addressed in Bill 9.
The Canadian Condominium Institute-North Alberta is a non-profit organization with a mandate to educate Condominium directors,
owners and professionals in North Alberta. As the voice of condominium owners and boards, CCI North Alberta represents and
advocates on behalf of its nearly 20,000 members and condominium owners to all levels of government.
-30Media inquiries may be directed to:
Anand Sharma, President
Canadian Condominium Institute - North Alberta
Hugh Willis Lawyer

Office - (780) 756-0492

Cell - (587) 783 9970
Office: (780) 809 1888 ext 1