GCR Committed to Improving the Quality of Residential Construction In Quebec

MONTREAL — Having received official authorization from the board of directors of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) on July 3, 2014, the organization Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) will be responsible for administering the Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings. The new regulation, introduced to protect the interests of purchasers of new houses and co-ownership properties (condominiums), will take effect on January 1, 2015. As of this date, the GCR will issue its first guarantee certificates.

The GCR, which is headquartered in Montreal, is implementing a highly efficient structure to fulfil its mandate, notably through the effective allocation of GCR resources and improved protection of home buyers in Quebec. The GCR will have the key responsibility of accrediting contractors in accordance with the new regulations set out in the Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings. In addition, the new corporation will receive, review and follow up on complaints from purchasers of new houses or residential units covered by the Plan.
The mission of the GCR is to improve the quality of construction in Quebec and protect buyers. Its accomplished team will take a rigorous management approach, will have access to the latest technological tools, and will maintain open and ongoing communication with contractors and the beneficiaries of the Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings.

Under the leadership of Chairman Jacques Leroux, the members of the GCR board of directors will be comprised of stakeholders from the construction industry. The board will notably bring together engineering, architecture and legal professionals as well as representatives from government bodies and consumer and construction associations.

With extensive experience in real estate, Gina Gaudreault has been named President and CEO of the Garantie de construction résidentielle. "My priority is to establish best practices in new residential building guarantees and in doing so assure Quebec purchasers covered by this Guarantee Plan of rigorous oversight and increased protection," said Gaudreault. "I am also aiming to streamline the transition for contractors between existing guarantee plans and the GCR, and I will work closely with consumer associations and all of our partners in the construction industry."