New law will protect Fort McMurray residents from 'unscrupulous' builders

The Alberta government took steps Wednesday to protect hundreds ofFort McMurray residents who must rebuild their homes destroyed last month by wildfire.

The province announced it willamendthe New Home Buyers Protection Act to provide consumers with additional information about builders.

All builders operating in the Wood Buffalo region, where about 1,900 were destroyed by wildfire in early May,will now be required to complete a declaration before theycan apply for a building permit.

The declaration will include residential construction history, as well as information about the company and its finances.

It will also require builders to disclose any outstanding fines or orders.

"This information will help FortMcMurrayresidents make a more informed decision when choosing a builder, and will give them more confidence as they beginthe reconstruction process," said Danielle Larivee, Alberta's minister of municipal affairs.

Change has builders' support

The new rules have the support of the Canadian Home Builders Association.

"Protecting FortMcMurrayresidents from unqualified or unscrupulous contractors is a high priority," said Jim Rivait, CEO of the Alberta branch of the home builders association.

"Good builders will be able to comply easily and, we believe, raise confidence levels of consumers when they're choosing a builder," Rivait said.

"This is especially important when opportunists are likely to make unrealistic claims about how quickly they can build a home in FortMcMurray. Rebuilding the community will be a long process that will require patience and co-ordination. It will also require skilled professionals who stand by the homes they build instead of skipping town if problems come up."

The government plans to hold information sessions for both builders and homeowners in July and August.

The changes take effect immediately.