Dual agency might be on its way out -> http://www.recbc.ca/...rt_June2016.pdf
I've been saying this for all 6 years I've been in business!
"Recommendation
The Real Estate Council amend its Rules to no longer permit licensees engaged in trading services to offer dual agency.
When a licensee enters into a real estate agency relationship with a client it gives rise to important duties and responsibilities that the licensee owes to the client exclusively, including the duty to act in the best interests of the client, the duty of confidentiality, and the duty to take reasonable steps to avoid any conflicts of interest. The IAG considers that the ability of licensees in trading services to offer dual agency to parties with differing, potentially divergent or conflicting interests runs contrary to the fundamental concept of agency. The idea that a lesser form of agency can be offered to two clients in a transaction suggests, on its face, that a licensee is not fulfilling their duty to act in the best interests of their client nor taking steps to avoid conflicts of interest. It also gives rise to consumer confusion and opportunities for abuse by unscrupulous licensees. The IAG acknowledges the potential risk that with the elimination of dual agency one party to a real estate transaction may have no representation, as opposed to limited representation. There is also a risk that a licensee will dissuade the other party from seeking representation, to retain a full commission from the seller. To mitigate these risks THE IAG ALSO RECOMMENDS that the Real Estate Council implement requirements for licensees to clearly disclose the nature and limitations of the services being provided to the parties and a positive obligation to inform an unrepresented party of the opportunity and benefits of seeking their own professional services and advice of an independent licensee. The IAG also notes that there will be circumstances where existing conflicts mean that licensees should not be acting for either party. THE IAG RECOMMENDS that the Real Estate Council develop guidance to direct licensees in these situations, in a manner that continues to place the interests of consumers first. We also note that dual agency in the provision of rental and strata management services is more controlled than trading services and therefore our recommendations relate only to trading services."