10/ RECO 2017 ANNUAL REPORT/REGISTRAR'S MESSAGE IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, we remain focused on RECO’s core mandate: protecting consumers and serving the public interest. I’m pleased to report that in 2017 we made excellent strides towards raising the bar for professionalism in the industry and improving our services. Reforming REBBA to make the market fairer and safer In 2017, RECO provided the Ontario government with recommendations on how to enhance the rules in the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA). Primarily, RECO advocated for changes that would prevent or prohibit conflict-of-interest situations arising from multiple representation, and presented a number of additional suggestions that, if implemented, would strengthen consumer protection in Ontario. To read more about RECO’s recommendations for REBBA, please flip to page 12. Engagement, accountability and transparency in the public interest An engaged and informed registrant base will better serve their clients and bolster consumer protection. Face-to-face engagements with the industry allow us to discuss RECO’s mandate and our respective accountabilities in terms of the public interest. Last fall, RECO toured the province and hosted a series of Town Hall events for industry leaders in Sudbury, Hamilton, Ottawa, Kitchener, Peterborough, London and Toronto. There was an excellent dialogue about the role continuing education and modernized legislation play in strengthening industry professionalism and better protecting home buyers and sellers. Registrar's Message ENHANCING PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH STRONGER REGULATION AND EDUCATION Joseph Richer