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November 16, 2006
Provincial Court Civil Mediation Program expands to Red Deer
Dispute resolution program available this month for central Albertans
Red Deer... Central Albertans with disputes over personal injury, wrongful dismissal, construction contracts, and other civil issues in Provincial Court will now have another way of resolving their disagreements, without going to court.
Justice Minister Ron Stevens announced that a new Provincial Court Civil Claims Mediation Program held its first mediation sessions on November 15.
"Over the past few years, mediation has contributed to the efficient management of dispute resolution and has proven to be a popular option for litigants," said Stevens. "The expansion to Red Deer is another step toward making the justice system more accessible to Albertans."
Mediation for Provincial Court civil cases is currently available through the Provincial Court in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Assistant Chief Judge David J. Plosz said mediation has proven its worth in other parts of the province. "We look forward to its implementation in Central Alberta. Everyone benefits, either directly or indirectly."
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution where the people involved in a dispute are encouraged to explore the root of the problem, by identifying the interests that underlie each side's issues. The mediator's role is to assist the parties to look for a resolution that is suitable to everyone; although, the mediator does not make any decisions or suggest solutions. Mediation also provides a means for parties to narrow and resolve issues, saving time, energy and resources for both parties and the court system.
Parties filing civil law suits in central Alberta will be offered information about mediation and other dispute resolution options. Mediation coordinators select cases for the program based on a variety of criteria. There is no charge to the parties for Provincial Court mediation.
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Justice website:
Media enquiries may be directed to:
David Dear
Justice Communications
(780) 427 8530
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
November 16, 2006
Provincial Court Civil Mediation - Questions and Answers
What is mediation?
Mediation is a private, flexible and informal process that allows people involved in disputes to talk about ways to solve their differences. The parties create and agree to their own solutions.
What kinds of disputes does civil mediation help resolve?
Albertans who have contested disputes about matters in Provincial Court, such as personal injury, wrongful dismissal, contracts, and other civil issues, may be directed to mediation.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation gives people a better understanding of their dispute and helps preserve business and personal relationships. It enables people to tailor resolutions to meet their specific needs. Mediation also resolves disputes faster and is provided at no charge.
How successful is the program?
Since the first program was established in Edmonton in 1998, over 8,400 cases have been mediated. Of these cases, more than two thirds (over 6,500 cases) have been resolved successfully.
What does a mediator do?
In the Provincial Court, two mediators are assigned to a matter. The mediators' role is to guide the parties through an effective problem-solving process to resolve the issues between them. The mediators also help the parties define exactly what the dispute is about and makes sure the discussion stays on track. Mediators do not take sides in the dispute.
Mediators keep everything said in mediation confidential, unless the law requires the information to be disclosed. Mediations are held in a private room, unlike trials, which are open to the public.
Why is there a mediation program for Provincial Court and for Court of Queen's Bench?
Provincial Court mediation addresses claims filed in Provincial Court and are directed to mediation by a judge. This program is available in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and now Red Deer.
The Civil Mediation Program - Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta is a pilot project and operates only in the judicial districts of Edmonton and Lethbridge/MacLeod. People with civil, non-family actions filed in Court of Queen's Bench may access the program.
Who can answer my questions about mediation in Provincial Court?
For more information, contact the Civil Claims Mediation Program. In Red Deer, call
(403) 755 1437, in Calgary call (403) 297 5536 or in Edmonton call (780) 415 2701.
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
David Dear
Alberta Justice Communications
(780) 427 8530
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2006 Government of Alberta