Episode 27: Balancing efficiency and informed decisions: Exploring the impact of the Civil Rights Tribunal on resolving strata matters

About the Episode:

In this episode, Brent and James meet with Alex Chang, partner at Lesperance Mendes and delve into the intriguing world of the Civil Rights Tribunal and its effect on resolving strata matters. While the tribunal's approach is lauded for its quick and efficient justice, there are concerns that the decisions reached may not always be well-informed. Council members are presented with essential insights and considerations to navigate this complex landscape.

 

Get the Guides:

3 Keys to Decision Making for Strata Councils

Maintenance Planner Checklist

8 Steps for Going out to Bid

About the Guest:

Alex Chang

Partner, Lesperance Mendes

Alex is a dedicated legal professional with a focus on strata, tenancy, construction, and other real property matters. With a successful track record, he has represented clients across various legal platforms, including all levels of British Columbia courts, the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Residential Tenancy Branch, Human Rights Tribunal, and arbitration.



 

About the Hosts:

Brent Anderson

Business Development Director, FirstService Residential British Columbia

As Business Development Director, Brent is responsible for the continued growth and strategy of FirstService Residential’s Market throughout British Columbia. 


Brent’s professional career in sales began selling souvenirs at Canucks games back at the PNE Coliseum. For the past 15 years, has been closely working with strata managers as a salesperson for various trades, including painting, high-rise window cleaning, and HVAC services.

The sales world is full of cookie-cutter reps who lead with their ego and put their needs ahead of the customers. Not Brent; he is passionate about the needs and goals of his clients and specializes in bringing them peace of mind. 
  
Brent lives in South Surrey with his wife and their Jack Russell Terrier. He is an avid hiker and budding kayak enthusiast. 

James Milne

Business Development Director, FirstService Residential British Columbia

As Business Development Director, James is responsible for the continued growth and strategy of FirstService Residential’s Market throughout British Columbia. 

James takes a consultative approach to his role, recognizing that having the right fit between a community and its management is crucial to long-term success. Prior to joining FirstService, James worked in luxury hotel management and business-to-business sales. 

James has more than 20 years of experience in customer-facing roles and a true passion for customer service. He is a licensed strata manager and has a degree in Business Management. 

When not working, James is also an avid mountain biker and serves as the President of one of BC’s largest non-profit mountain bike clubs.

 

About Stratagize Podcast

Over 1.5 million people live in strata housing in the Province of British Columbia.

Let's face it, you'd rather watch reruns of the nightly news than read the Strata Property Act (And we can't blame you) Still, most people are at a loss when it comes to understanding such an important framework for how many of us live our lives in proximity with one another.

🎙 Stratagize with Brent Anderson & James Milne features conversations with industry leaders and experts who share their knowledge to demystify an industry that impacts the lives of more than 1 out of 3 British Columbians.

Whether you are a council member, owner, investor, or renter, if you're looking for content that will bring value to your strata and help you get to the next level… THIS is it!

Listen to our latest episode, subscribe and rate us on iTunes. 👊

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🚨 STRATA TIP:
Unmet expectations are the biggest source of complaints. Understand the four keys to proper expectation setting: Set vs unset & realistic vs unrealistic.
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
🛠 CRT decisions are quick & dirty and may not be as well informed and the normal rules of evidence do not apply.
 
 
🛠 A common mistake is a strata council responding to a claim on their own without assistance of a lawyer.
 
 
🛠  Tip when writing a CRT claim is to ensure that what you are seeking is clear. If the order is not clear the CRT might not be able to enforce that order.

 


 🦄 MYTH VS FACT
A strata council cannot enlist a lawyer to assist them with their response.
 
(Myth)
 
A strata lawyer can assist the strata in the background with many aspects of the process up to drafting the full resposne they can copy and paste.