APPOINTMENTS to the Discipline Committee In May 2013, the Minister of Finance and Economy appointed M e Patrick de Niverville from Boisvert, de Niverville & Associés in Montréal as a new Chair to the OACIQ Discipline Committee. To support him, five new vice-chairs have also been appointed by the Minister. Under section 94 of the Real Estate Brokerage Act, after consulting the Barreau du Québec, the Minister has the power to appoint vicechairs from among lawyers who have at least ten years of practice. All these appointments will help the Committee conduct a higher number of hearings in a shorter time frame, thereby ensuring a better public protection. Here is a brief presentation of the Chair and new vice-chairs: M e Armand J. Elbaz (Colby, Monet, Demers, Delage & Crevier) After getting a Master’s degree in education and a Bachelor’s degree in law, M e Elbaz became a member of the Barreau in 1981. Certified mediator and former Chair of the Discipline Committee of the Ordre des infirmières et des infirmiers du Québec, he is also a member of the Discipline Committee of the Barreau. Me Martine Perrault M e Perrault holds bachelor’s degrees in civil and common law. Member of the Barreau du Québec since 1990, she opened that same year her office specialized in real estate, commercial and corporate law, where she is still working until now. M e Perrault has also been providing continuing education sessions to real estate brokers for nearly 20 years. ABOUT THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE The Discipline Committee of the Organization is a decision-making body created under the Real Estate Brokerage Act. It is completely autonomous and independent from the Board of Directors and staff of the OACIQ. Its role is to hear ethical complaints brought against real estate brokers or agencies and imposes penalties on those found guilty. In disciplinary law, members are judged by their peers and hearings are public. M e Patrick de Niverville (Boisvert, de Niverville & Associés) Member of the Barreau du Québec since 1981, M e de Niverville has been practising disciplinary law for more than 30 years. Author of several academic articles in the field, he is regularly invited as speaker. His experience as Chair of the Discipline Committee of the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages (CHAD) since 2004 makes of him the right man to occupy the same position within the OACIQ. M e Marguerite M. Leclerc After studying civil law and common law, M e Leclerc became a lawyer, mediator certified in civil, commercial and labour mediation. Her strong civil litigation experience led her to teach law at the college level. M e Luc Audet (Audet & Associés) Specialized in business law since 1981, M e Audet is himself a real estate investor. He represents, among others, franchisors and franchisees, including real estate investors. M e Avelino De Andrade (Zaurrini Avocats) Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1990, after graduating from McGill University, M e De Andrade practices construction, real estate and co-ownership law. 30 Profession Broker September 2013 Profession Broker September 2013 31