The QFREB Welcomes the Creation of a Research Chair to Eliminate Problems Caused by Pyrrhotite

ÎLE-DES-SŒURS, QC, Dec. 19, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Québec Federation of Real Estate Boards (QFREB) would like to commend Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister responsible for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Region as well as the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, for the creation of a Research Chair between the National Research Council of Canada and Laval University with the purpose of eliminating the problems caused by pyrrhotite damage to concrete.

Many Québec households, primarily in the Mauricie and in the Centre-du-Québec regions, have been grappling with this problem mineral which causes concrete to swell when in contact with moisture, causing serious foundation damage.

"In the Trois-Rivières region, many owners of homes built between 1996 and 2008 have unfortunately discovered in recent years that their home's foundation has been contaminated by pyrrhotite," states Hassan Chellah, president of the Mauricie Real Estate Board. "After waiting for such a long time, this news comes as a Christmas present!"

"The QFREB welcomes the announcement made by both levels of government and believes that this initiative will reduce the economic impact of pyrrhotite in Québec and better protect Québec households struggling with this scourge," added Patrick Juanéda, QFREB President.

The QFREB has been calling for a continuation of the Program for Residences Damaged by Pyrrhotite, which has been in effect since July 2011, to ensure that homeowners whose foundations have been damaged by the presence of pyrrhotite can continue to receive financial assistance for necessary renovation work. It is estimated that more than 1,000 households have benefited from this program since its inception.

About the Québec Federation of Real Estate Boards
The Québec Federation of Real Estate Boards is a non-profit organization composed of Québec's 11 real estate boards and the close to 13,000 real estate brokers who are their members. Its mission is to support Québec's real estate boards in order to defend, protect and promote the interests of real estate brokers through the provision of services in the areas of professional practices, public affairs and market analysis. The QFREB is guided by an approach that is centred on collaboration and resource sharing.

SOURCE Québec Federation of Real Estate Boards

Jacynthe Alain, Assistant Manager, Communications and Public Relations, Québec Federation of Real Estate Boards, Tel.: [phone], ext. 175, [email protected]