Alternative Dispute Resolution

Often it is preferable to resolve conflicts or disagreements outside of the court system. There are a variety of formal ways to do this. Two of the most common are mediation and arbitration. The organizations listed below may be able to help you with alternative dispute resolution. You may also want to see the section on Complaint and Advocacy.

For additional resources about alternative dispute resolution, see the keyword:
Mediation and alternative dispute resolution

Suggested Resources

Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society

The Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society is a not for profit organization which provides education and information to its members and the general public on solving disputes more effectively. They provide an annually updated Directory of Arbitrators and Mediators in Alberta. Related keywords: Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43)

Alberta's Three-step Premium Dispute Resolution Process - General Insurance Ombudsman

The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that has been in operation since 2002 providing dispute resolution services for conflicts between complainants and their insurers in the areas of home, auto and business insurance. GIO’s neutral and professional mediators and experienced Information Officers help complainants and insurance companies work toward a solution that is in the best interests of both parties in a fair, independent and impartial environment. (PDF - 2 pages) Related keywords: Advocacy (61), Business (69), Consumer protection and fraud (79), Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43)

Canadian Mediators & Canadian Arbitrators: ADRWeb.ca National Online ADR Directory

This website allows visitors requiring the services of a qualified mediator to quickly identify suitable professionals to help settle their dispute. Users can search by locality, qualifications, background/case experience and date availability. ADRWeb.ca is intended to promote the practices of Canada's growing community of dispute resolution professionals, but also to expedite the scheduling process for those individuals & organizations that regularly require mediators. Related keywords: Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43), Other legal personnel (19)

Collaborative Family Lawyers of Canada

The Collaborative Family Law Process is about cooperation, not confrontation where clients sign a contract agreeing not to go to court. It is mediation and problem solving with collaborative lawyers where clients try to understand each other. Each client is responsible for information gathering and solutions. This website features general information about collaborative law (definitions, process, resources) and a list of collaborative law professionals in Alberta. Related keywords: Divorce and separation (41), Lawyers (49), Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43)

Community Mediation Calgary Society (CMCS)

The Community Mediation Calgary Society (CMCS) is a non-profit organization of volunteers available to assist in resolving conflicts between neighbors and within community associations and non-profit organizations. They are a group of professional mediators who provide free, confidential and voluntary non-legal) dispute resolution service to the community.The CMCS can be contacted at (403) 269-2707. Related keywords: Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43)

Dispute Handling & Resolution (BBB of Central and Northern Alberta)

The Better Business Bureau of Central & Northern Alberta offers a dispute resolution service to consumers and businesses that has a two-fold goal: Helping the consumer with a marketplace problem. Helping legitimate businesses correct or remove by voluntary action the source and cause of the complaint. Related keywords: Business (69), Consumer protection and fraud (79)

Dispute Settlement Centre (BBB of Southern Alberta)

Misunderstandings, miscommunications, and mistakes happen: your BBB’s Dispute Settlement Centre is available to help consumers and businesses resolve marketplace quarrels  when they arise. Your BBB assists companies to resolve disputes by providing mediation and arbitration services.  Unique to this BBB is our ability to provide both in-house resolution services to companies and outsource the management of dispute resolution programs for  a select group of clients, such as acting as the Arbitration Administrator for the Jurisdictional Assignment Plan of the Alberta Construction Industry. Related keywords: Business (69), Consumer protection and fraud (79)

Family Mediation Canada (FMC)

Family Mediation Canada is an interdisciplinary association of lawyers, social workers, human services and health care professionals, working together, creating a better way to provide for co-operative conflict resolution relating to separation and divorce, adoption, child welfare, wills and estates, parent/teen and age-related issues, etc. FMC was established in 1985 as a charitable, not-for-profit association under the Canada Corporations Act. FMC also provides information and referrals to Family Mediators across Canada. Related keywords: Family law general resources (58), Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43), Other legal personnel (19)

Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board - Edmonton

The Edmonton Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board (LTAB) is a City of Edmonton agency which provides advice and information to landlords and tenants of residential property in Edmonton. They work to address tenancy issues and ensure that both tenants and landlords are aware of their rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. Related keywords: Landlord and tenant (55)

Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre (MRJC)

The Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre (MRJC) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to building safer and peaceful communities. They provide mediation services to people and groups in conflict, and restorative justice services to victims and offenders. These services are offered free of charge to anyone in the greater Edmonton region (Alberta). Related keywords: Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43), Restorative justice (46)

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) offers landlords and tenants an alternative means of resolving serious disputes outside of court. The Service is designed to be faster, more informal and less expensive than the courts. A tenant or a landlord who has concerns related to an eviction, unpaid rent/utilities, security deposit, damages, repairs or other common disagreements can use the service. Related keywords: Landlord and tenant (55)

Resolving Disputes (Canadian Human Rights Commission)

The Canadian Human Rights Commission provides dispute resolution services in cases of alleged discrimination by federally regulated organizations, including employers, unions and service providers. This online resource addresses issues such as alternative dispute resolution and the dispute resolution process. Related keywords: Human rights (146), Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (43)