Steering and Redlining Practice Questions

Question 1 of 5

What are the potential consequences for a registrant found to have engaged in steering?

• AA verbal warning from the local real estate board, as the applicable regulatory framework and industry practices establish the standards and procedures that govern how this type of matter is addressed in Ontario real estate
• BNo consequences, as steering is difficult to prove, as the applicable regulatory framework and industry practices establish the standards and procedures that govern how this type of matter is addressed in Ontario real estate
• COnly a small fine from RECO, since the consequences are far more severe than a small fine, and HRTO damages alone can be substantial, and RECO discipline can include licence revocation
• DSteering can result in HRTO monetary damages for injury to dignity, RECO disciplinary action including fines, licence conditions, suspension, or revocation, civil liability for losses caused by the restricted property search, and reputational damage that can end a career

Question 2 of 5

A registrant describes a neighbourhood to a buyer as having 'a lot of changes happening — you know what I mean.' In context, the registrant appears to be referencing demographic changes. What type of prohibited practice does this suggest?

• AThis language suggests blockbusting — the practice of creating fear or concern about demographic changes in a neighbourhood to influence housing decisions; coded references to 'changes' and 'you know what I mean' imply racial or ethnic shifts being presented negatively
• BThis is simple neighbourhood description
• CThis is only problematic if followed by a specific recommendation
• DVague statements cannot constitute discrimination, as the applicable regulatory framework and industry practices establish the standards and procedures that govern how this type of matter is addressed in Ontario real estate

Question 3 of 5

A buyer client, the Okafor family, originally from Nigeria, asks registrant Sophie to show them homes in several neighbourhoods across Mississauga. Sophie, believing she is being helpful, steers the family exclusively toward neighbourhoods with large West African communities, avoiding other areas that match their criteria. When the Okafors ask about a listing in Lorne Park, Sophie says the neighbourhood "might not be the right fit" for them. What is the most accurate characterization of Sophie's conduct?

• ASophie's conduct constitutes racial steering, which is a form of direct discrimination based on race and ethnic origin under the Ontario Human Rights Code, regardless of her subjective intent to be helpful
• BSophie is providing culturally sensitive service by directing the family toward communities where they would feel most comfortable
• CSophie's conduct is only discriminatory if the Okafor family explicitly asked to see homes in all neighbourhoods and Sophie refused
• DSophie is exercising professional judgment about neighbourhood suitability, which falls within a registrant's advisory role and is not subject to human rights scrutiny

Question 4 of 5

Salesperson Kamal shows a young family several properties in a specific neighbourhood. When the family asks to see listings in another area, Kamal steers them back to the original neighbourhood, saying "Your family would really fit in better here — the schools and community are more suited to your background." The family is of South Asian descent. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, what type of discrimination does this most likely represent?

• AThis constitutes steering — directing clients toward or away from neighbourhoods based on race, ancestry, or ethnic origin, which is prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code
• BThis is acceptable customer service because Kamal is matching clients to communities where they will be comfortable
• CThis is only discrimination if Kamal explicitly mentions race as the reason for the recommendation
• DThis is not discrimination because Kamal is recommending a neighbourhood, not refusing service

Question 5 of 5

A buyer asks registrant Harpreet to only show properties near Sikh gurdwaras. How should Harpreet respond?

• AOnly show properties near gurdwaras as requested — showing properties only near gurdwaras could constitute self-steering — limiting the client's options based on a religious criterion
• BInclude proximity to gurdwaras as one factor in the property search while presenting the full range of suitable properties — the client's preference for proximity to a place of worship is a legitimate personal preference, and providing relevant information about nearby religious facilities is appropriate, as long as the registrant does not limit the search exclusively to those areas
• CRefuse to assist the client because the request is based on religion
• DTell the client that religion is not a factor in property searches, on the basis that dismissing the client's preference for proximity to their place of worship is unhelpful and disrespectful