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October 26, 2006
New program improves access to justice for low-income Albertans
Up to $600 available for civil mediation costs
Edmonton... Low-income Albertans involved in a civil dispute will have up to $600 in mediation fees paid for by the Alberta government as part of continued efforts to improve access to justice.
"Covering the mediation fees of low-income Albertans is another way we are helping citizens access the justice system," said Ron Stevens, Alberta Minister of Justice. "Mediation is an easier, faster way to resolve disputes without having to go to trial. We've had a mediation pilot project running since January 2005 and it has shown an 81 per cent success rate. By covering initial fees, this opportunity is extended to even more Albertans."
Interest-based mediation is a form of dispute resolution where the people involved in a dispute are encouraged to talk to each other to explore and understand the root of their problem. The mediator's role is to assist the parties in finding a solution that is suitable for both parties. The mediator facilitates the discussions but the parties themselves decide how to resolve their dispute.
The average number of hours required to resolve a civil dispute varies depending on complexity and the number of people involved, but most take around four hours. The current hourly rates for mediators range between $150 and $350.
Eligibility for fee coverage is based on a sliding scale determined by the number of people in the household and gross family income. The scale starts at one person with an annual income of less than $30,000 and ranging to seven (or more) people with an annual income of $60,000 or less. More information and an application form are available online at
The civil mediation pilot, which operates out of the Court of Queen's Bench in the judicial districts of Edmonton and Lethbridge/MacLeod, has recently been extended to the end of June 2007. The program is a result of several years of dedicated partnership with the judiciary, the legal and mediation communities, as well as the Alberta government.
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Minister Ron Stevens will be available for questions at 11:30 a.m.
outside room 208 at the Legislature.
Civil Mediation Program website:
Media enquiries may be directed to:
David Dear
Justice Communications
(780) 427 5850
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2006 Government of Alberta