Shawn O’Connor, P.App., AACI, Hon. B. Comm.
Shawn O’Connor is an AACI designated member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada with an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree and over 20 years of service to the profession. As the owner-operator of A1 Accurate Appraisal, he has built extensive expertise serving the Muskoka, Haliburton, and Parry Sound regions of Ontario. His comprehensive clientele includes municipalities, lenders, lawyers, businesses, and private individuals, providing diverse appraisal services from litigation support to estate settlement.
As a member in good standing, Shawn brings a unique perspective to the concerns surrounding the new 2025 PPR Policy changes.
For detailed information about Shawn’s qualifications and experience, please visit his professional bio at A1 Accurate Appraisal.
Purpose of This Appraisal Defense Website
This website was created in direct response to the significant changes introduced by the Appraisal Institute of Canada’s new 2025 Professional Practice Review (PPR) Policy, which became effective June 1, 2025.
The 2025 PPR Policy Concerns
The new 2025 PPR Policy represents a substantial departure from the established protections that AACI members previously enjoyed under the 2020 AIC Regulations. This policy was adopted without meaningful member consultation or a general vote of the membership. Key areas of concern include:
Legal Immunity and Accountability Issues
- Introduction of legal immunity for disciplinary officials and adjudicators
- Reduced accountability mechanisms for decision-makers
- Potential for arbitrary decision-making without meaningful recourse
Weakened Due Process Protections
- Reduced disclosure obligations to members under investigation
- Removal of “fair hearing” requirements that previously protected members
- Unclear standards for approving adjournment requests
- Increased penalties without adequate procedural safeguards
Lack of Member Participation
- No general vote of the membership before policy adoption
- Absence of meaningful member consultation in the development process
- Policy changes affecting all members implemented without democratic input
Systemic Transparency Concerns
- Reduced procedural transparency compared to the 2020 regulations
- Uncertainty about who specifically approved the new policy framework
- Diminished confidence in the fairness of the professional practice review process
Our Mission
This appraisal defense website serves as a resource and advocacy platform for AACI members who are concerned about the new 2025 PPR Policy and its impact on member rights. Our objectives include:
- Education: Helping members understand their rights and the implications of the policy changes
- Transparency: Demanding clear answers about who approved the policy and why members were not consulted
- Support: Providing guidance for members navigating professional practice review proceedings under the new framework
- Advocacy: Working to restore fair and transparent due process protections for all AACI members
- Member Engagement: Encouraging members to speak up and participate in calls for accountability
- Documentation: Maintaining records of how the policy changes impact real members in real situations
Critical Questions for AIC Leadership
We believe AIC leadership must provide clear, transparent answers to fundamental questions including:
- Who specifically approved the new PPR policy?
- Why were members not consulted before these significant changes were implemented?
- What steps are being taken to ensure fairness, accountability, and due process moving forward?
- How does the AIC justify implementing legal immunity for disciplinary officials while reducing member protections?
Why This Matters
Professional appraisers serve a critical role in real estate transactions, financial decisions, and legal proceedings. The integrity of the appraisal profession depends on fair, transparent, and accountable professional practice standards. When due process protections are weakened, it not only affects individual members but potentially undermines public confidence in the profession as a whole.
The transition from the well-established 2020 AIC Regulations to the new 2025 PPR Policy has created uncertainty and concern among many AACI members. This website exists to ensure that members have access to information, support, and advocacy during this challenging transition period.
Moving Forward
We believe that professional accountability and member rights can and must coexist. Our goal is not to undermine legitimate professional practice review processes, but to advocate for fair, transparent, and consistent application of professional standards that protect both the public interest and member rights.
If you are an AACI member facing professional practice review proceedings under the new 2025 PPR Policy, or if you have concerns about how these policy changes may affect your practice, please don’t hesitate to reach out for information and support.
