VICTORIA—New Democrat Housing Critic Diane Thorne today introduced a Private Members’ Bill to regulate home inspectors and provide real protection for British Columbia homebuyers.

“B.C. homebuyers count on home inspectors to tell them if their new home is a good investment,” said Thorne, NDP MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville. “But there are no regulations on the books for home inspectors in B.C. anyone can go out and claim to be a home inspector without being certified as having the skills to do so. And that’s a big risk for consumers.

“Unlike the Campbell government, New Democrats care about protecting B.C. consumers as they make the biggest purchase of their lives which is why we have introduced a Private Members’ Bill to regulate home inspectors and protect B.C. homebuyers,” said Thorne.

The Home Inspection Act provides greater consumer protection for homebuyers by prohibiting persons from inspecting a home without a licence. It establishes a Home Inspection Board the first in Canada which will be responsible for licensing home inspectors and setting out basic requirements for obtaining a licence. The Board will establish standards for the education, training and experience requirements for home inspectors, a code of ethics and standards of practice for licensed home inspectors.

“For years, the home inspection industry has called for regulation, but Solicitor General John Les has dismissed their concerns. He said doesn’t think this kind of consumer protection is needed,” said Thorne. “But the Campbell government has a responsibility to help protect consumers including B.C.’s homebuyers and promote consumer confidence in B.C.’s real estate market.

“I am calling on the Campbell government to support this Bill and bring in regulations for home inspectors.”