Jennifer, a strata manager with 'Peak Property Management Ltd.' in Burnaby, is advising the strata council of Strata Plan NWS5678 regarding a leaking parkade membrane. The council has received three quotes, and one of the contractors, 'Hydro-Seal Solutions Inc.', is owned by Robert, a strata lot owner in NWS5678 and a serving strata council member. Robert declared his conflict of interest at the start of the council meeting. Which action is Robert legally required to take next during the discussion and voting on the matter?

Question: Jennifer, a strata manager with 'Peak Property Management Ltd.' in Burnaby, is advising the strata council of Strata Plan NWS5678 regarding a leaking parkade membrane. The council has received three quotes, and one of the contractors, 'Hydro-Seal Solutions Inc.', is owned by Robert, a strata lot owner in NWS5678 and a serving strata council member. Robert declared his conflict of interest at the start of the council meeting. Which action is Robert legally required to take next during the discussion and voting on the matter?

Answer options: ✅ Robert must leave the meeting while the discussion and vote on Hydro-Seal Solutions Inc. take place.

• Robert may stay for the discussion but must abstain from the vote on Hydro-Seal Solutions Inc.
• Robert may advocate for his company's quote but must declare his interest again before the vote.
• Robert must provide an additional, independent third-party quote for comparison.

Correct answer: Robert must leave the meeting while the discussion and vote on Hydro-Seal Solutions Inc. take place.

Explanation: Strata Property Act Section 32 states that a council member who has a direct or indirect interest in a contract or transaction must promptly disclose the interest and must not vote on the matter or be present while the matter is being discussed, unless all council members agree.