Bill 16: Official Opposition Calls on the Government to Complete the Reform

Québec City, April 30, 2025 — The Co-ownership Cocktail organized by the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ) featured a noteworthy intervention by Mille-Îles MNA Virginie Dufour, Official Opposition Housing Critic. The Liberal representative denounced the government’s significant delay in enacting the implementation regulation for Bill 16, which was passed back in December 2019.

The event, led by RGCQ President Me Yves Joli-Cœur and Vice-President Me Michel Paradis, created a meaningful space for dialogue between key stakeholders in the co-ownership sector and political representatives. Participants highlighted the relevance of the discussions, as well as the attentiveness and openness shown by both RGCQ leadership and MNA Dufour.

A long-awaited regulation

Since its adoption, Bill 16 has introduced several important tools aimed at improving transparency, foresight, and sound management in divided co-ownerships. These include:

• the contingency fund study to plan long-term major repairs and replacements;

• the maintenance log to structure upkeep and work planning;

• and the condition certificate to be disclosed upon the sale of a condo unit.

However, these measures remain inactive due to the absence of the implementing regulation. In her address, MNA Dufour shared a recent exchange she had in the National Assembly with the Minister of Housing, Ms. France-Élaine Duranceau:

“In 2019, Bill 16 was adopted […] It’s been five years, and we’re still waiting for the regulations that would define the rules for the contingency fund and the maintenance log. Why five years?”
— MNA Virginie Dufour

“It’s not a goal, five years. […] My objective is for the regulation to come out in 2025. Maybe in two phases. […] But the full package, by 2025.”
— France-Élaine Duranceau, Minister of Housing

The audio clip of the exchange is available [here].

Unregulated transactions, growing risks

This statement was met with frustration and disbelief by many attendees, who noted that real estate transactions continue to happen without buyers having access to essential information about the financial health or maintenance status of a condo corporation:

“Condos are changing hands today […] This creates inequity — people are buying without knowing there’s a shortfall in the contingency fund. The longer we wait, the more people are put at risk.”
— MNA Virginie Dufour

These concerns were echoed by co-ownership managers and board members who cited the real-world impacts of this regulatory void: delayed planning, unclear financial decisions, and increased confusion among co-owners.

An engaged and well-informed opposition

MNA Dufour’s presence was seen as a strong signal of recognition for the essential role co-ownership plays in Québec’s housing landscape. Participants acknowledged her grasp of complex issues surrounding maintenance, financing, and governance of multi-unit buildings. She reaffirmed her party’s commitment to urging the government to move forward with the regulations:

“I want it done right. Rushing something inadequate would avoid your questions but create others. […] By the end of 2025, this will all be resolved.”
— Minister Duranceau

An incomplete reform that hinders action

Many stakeholders reiterated that without a proper regulatory framework, the law remains largely unenforceable. Despite the high hopes raised by the reform, its key tools cannot be applied in the field. This lack of regulatory clarity undermines the ability of condo boards to make informed decisions for the long-term protection of their properties.

As one manager put it:

“We have a law, but without regulations, it remains partially ineffective.”

The RGCQ will continue to closely monitor this issue and advocate for a swift adoption of the regulation, to ensure that all stakeholders can operate within a clear, fair, and predictable framework.