Thank you, Member. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried. Bill 41 has been received and will be moved to Committee of the Whole.
---Carried
Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its report on the review of Bill 41, An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents Licensing Act, and commends it to the House.
Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 42-20(1), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of Bill 41, An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents Licensing Act, be deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
The question has been called. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Introduction And Background
Bill 41: An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents’ Licensing Act received second reading on February 11, 2026, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations (Committee) for review.
Bill 41 modernizes the Real Estate Agents’ Licensing Act (the Act) to strengthen consumer protection and enhance regulatory oversight across real estate-related professions. The amendments rename the statute as the Real Estate Professions’ Licensing Act and introduce new licensing categories, update definitions, and expand regulatory powers to support professional standards.
Key changes include:
New definitions for “home inspection” and “home inspector”.
Separate licences for home inspectors and property managers, along with the authority to establish future training and eligibility requirements.
Training and education requirements enabled for both home inspectors and property managers to ensure qualified practice.
Expanded regulatory powers for the Commissioner to set eligibility requirements for home inspectors.
Authority for a Code of Conduct applicable to agents, salespersons, property managers, and home inspectors.
Approval of standardized forms for real estate trades and home inspections, with mandatory use by licensees.
Gender-neutral language updates throughout the Act.
Together, these amendments aim to enhance consumer confidence in real estate transactions, ensure home inspections and property management services are delivered by trained and qualified professionals, and promote fairness, consistency, and professionalism across the real estate sector. These changes are aligned with best practices in other jurisdictions, such as Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The coming-into-force date will be set by the Commissioner to allow for an orderly implementation of the new regulatory framework. Government confirmed that a transition period will be provided to adequately engage with affected professionals, which will include clear timelines and guidance to support compliance.
Committee Considered Public Input
Committee sought public input on Bill 41: An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents’ Licensing Act between February and April 2026 through a call for public input on the Legislative Assembly website and on social media. Committee also undertook targeted engagement with real estate industry professionals, including real estate agents, property inspectors, property managers, and related organizations.
Committee received six (6) submissions from industry stakeholders and members of the public. The submissions broadly expressed support for Bill 41 and the proposed expansion of regulation for additional real estate professionals such as home inspectors and property managers. Comments, suggestions and requests for clarification were received on specific topics, ultimately reflecting an interest in how the proposed legislative changes would function in practice. Topics of Committee interest and analysis have been grouped into key themes.
Committee extends its sincere appreciation to those who took the time to share their important views on Bill 41.
Committee Concerns
Superintendent’s authority over approved forms
Stakeholders shared concerns regarding whether limiting approved forms to those “used in trade” might exclude documents used in buyer interactions where no purchase may occur. Committee examined the issue in detail and is satisfied that the Act defines “trade” broadly enough to include offers, negotiations, and buyer engagement, regardless of whether a transaction is ultimately completed. Committee is confident that any additional clarity to reflect real-world practices and ensure consumer protection can be addressed through the Superintendent’s approval of forms, as noted through correspondence with Government. As such, Committee was satisfied with the approach taken in Bill 41.
Real estate transaction practices
Stakeholder submissions to Committee largely supported the intent and goal of Bill 41. However, several questions were raised with respect to commissions, inducements, referral practices, and potential conflicts of interest within real estate transactions. Committee correspondence with Government confirmed that existing fiduciary duties and disclosure requirements already prohibit conduct that is contrary to a client’s best interests. Committee is satisfied that Bill 41 provides sufficient flexibility, particularly through the forthcoming Code of Conduct, to address evolving industry practices in a flexible and responsive manner, informed by engagement with industry rather than through prescriptive statutory amendments.
Committee also notes that internal referrals within real estate brokerages, when properly disclosed, are generally permitted in other jurisdictions. Bill 41 neither expressly authorizes nor prohibits these practices. Broader issues such as dual agency, where one agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, were mostly supported during public engagement on the review of the Act, provided there are strong transparency requirements.
Committee is confident that these practices will be appropriately addressed through the Code of Conduct, in conjunction with the use of standardized forms to ensure clear expectations and consistent protections for consumers.
Regulation of home inspectors
Bill 41 establishes authority to regulate home inspectors through future regulations covering training, examinations, licensing, standards, and professional conduct. Committee notes that early public engagement showed strong support for regulating the home inspection profession.
Stakeholders raised concerns with Committee about ensuring home inspectors are properly qualified. They emphasized the need for robust certification and training, along with clarity on how equivalencies will be assessed, what competency guidelines will apply, and whether an oversight body will be established to support consistent professional standards.
Through correspondence with Government, Committee is aware that these regulations will come into force only after further consultation with territorial home inspectors, relevant professional organizations, and national associations, including the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors. Committee believes this will ensure the regulatory framework aligns with recognized industry standards, supports consumer protection, and remains practical and proportionate for the NWT.
Regulation of property managers
Bill 41 introduces authority to regulate property managers within the real estate licensing framework. Committee heard from a member of the public who supported the Bill but recommended that licensing recognize certification through the Real Estate Institute of Canada, avoid a brokerage-dependent model, and require proof of insurance. They also noted potential operational challenges for government and local housing agencies if licensed managers become mandatory.
Committee’s review confirmed that brokerage-based licensing is the national standard and remains unchanged by Bill 41. The Act already requires licensees to carry a bond for public protection. Committee also clarified that Local Housing Organizations, which operate under Housing NWT policies, are not subject to external property management licensing requirements, addressing concerns about their ability to continue operating under the new framework.
Recommendations
Committee believes that meaningful engagement with local industry professionals and national certification bodies will be essential to developing an effective regulatory approach. As such, Committee recommends the following:
Conclusion
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Committee held a clause-by-clause review, at which time Committee approved Bill 41 without any amendments.
Committee agrees that Bill 41 provides a necessary and timely modernization of the territory’s real-estate regulatory framework while remaining proportionate and practical for the NWT context. Bill 41 strengthens consumer protection, clarifies professional responsibilities, and creates clearer pathways for education and training, which ultimately enhances professionalism and public confidence in real-estate transactions.
This concludes the Standing Committee on Government Operations’ review of Bill 41: An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents’ Licensing Act. Committee would like to thank the Minister and departmental officials in Committee’s review of the Bill.
Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 42-20(1), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of Bill 41, An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents Licensing Act, be received and adopted by the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
The question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Members. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Great Slave, that pursuant to Rule 9.4(5)(a), the Government of the Northwest Territories table a comprehensive response to this report, including all recommendations, within 120 days, or at the earliest opportunity subsequent to the passage of 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
The question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried.
---Carried
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents: The Workers' Safey and Compensation Commission 2026 Corporate Plan, and the Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board 2025 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for WSCC. Tabling of documents. Minister responsible for Status of Women.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for the Status of Women. Tabling of documents. Member from Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a briefing paper from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy titled, It Costs More to Do Nothing, Preventing Male Perpetration of Domestic Violence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Tabling of documents.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn't realize the rule changed to be on the agenda. I had my hand up the whole time.
That said, Mr. Speaker -- a document from the City of Yellowknife. It's titled Working Together to Unlock Land for Yellowknife's Future - Supporting Housing, Investment and Long-Term Sustainability. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, June 1, 2026, I will present Bill 49, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I will now call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wishes of committee? Member of Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move the chair rise and report progress.
Thank you to the Member. There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.
---Carried
I will now rise and report progress. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 4, Tabled Document 445-20(1), Tabled Document 483-20(1). And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Can I have a seconder? Member from Yellowknife Centre. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? Motion carried.
Report of Committee of the Whole. Third Reading Bills. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to return to item number 9, oral questions, on today's orders. Thank you.
Thank you. Member from the Yellowknife Centre is requesting unanimous consent to return to oral questions. Any nays?
Nay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Orders of the day for Friday, May 29th, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Prayer or Reflection
Ministers’ Statements
Members’ Statements
Returns to Oral Questions
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Acknowledgements
Oral Questions
Written Questions
Returns to Written Questions
Replies to the Commissioner’s Address
Petitions
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
Reports of Standing and Special Committees
Tabling of Documents
Notices of Motion
Motions
Notices of Motion for Frist Reading of Bills
First Reading of Bills
Bill 48, An Act to Amend to Workers’ Compensation Act, No. 2
Second Reading of Bills
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Bill 3-20(1), Carbon Tax Repeal Act
Tabled Document 445-20(1), 2025 Review of Members of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly Compensation and Benefits Report
Tabled Document 483-20(1), 2025-2026 Electoral Boundaries Commission Final Report
Report of Committee of the Whole
Third Reading of Bills
Orders of the Day
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Friday, May 29th, 2026, at 10 a.m.
---ADJOURNMENT
The House adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
