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ADRIA Board Director Opportunity!

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Your Opportunity for Impact!

Looking to serve our membership in a way that advocates change and engages our community? We have initiated our annual Board Director recruitment process. If you are looking for an opportunity to guide strategic direction in ADR, start here – join our Board!

As a Director you would participate in monthly virtual Board meetings with additional in-person meetings 1-2 times per year. Additionally, you would be asked to serve on one of the two standing committees: Finance, Audit and Risk, or Governance and Human Resources. As well, there are several sector specific committees to engage your area of ADR expertise. We are a governance Board.

Directors are full members who bring a background in various sectors. If you are a lawyer,mediator, arbitrator, business owner, accountant, or you have a background in diversity, equity and inclusion, social work, and or lobbying, share your skills with us and share in our vision: Leading Dispute Resolution in Alberta.

We have a few Director vacancies, expressions of interest are invited to be submitted to Membership@adralberta.com and will be welcome until March 10, 2024. Virtual interviews will be held March 17 – 21, 2024 and Directors will complete the election process and participate in our AGM, scheduled for May 30, 2024.

ADRIA is an organization dedicated to promoting, delivering and improving justice and access to justice in Alberta. We have long valued and drawn strength from our diversity as leaders in this field. We strive to respect individuals based on their integrity, knowing we have much work to do. ADRIA is committed to speaking out against racism and discrimination in all its forms and to ensuring our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our training, policies, and operations. We are dedicated to working with ADRIC and our fellow regional affiliates, our members, clients, colleagues, and all others in the pursuit of justice, diversity and reconciliation.

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ADRIC-RICS Canada Adjudicator Training Program

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Module 1: Introduction to Adjudication Program

Please email your interest for courses to Fordam.wara@adric.ca

A one day overview of how adjudication works and how to get the best out of it

Price: $299 + taxes

Module 2: Adjudication Advocate Training Program

Please email your interest for courses to Fordam.wara@adric.ca

This course will be presented online.

Registered participants will be sent an email with the Microsoft Team’s link the Monday before the course. Please be sure to check your Spam as the emails are often pushed there as “unrecognized email”.

Advising and representing parties in adjudications
This intense two-day program is designed for prospective adjudication party representatives, and advocates, and legal and built environment professionals for whom a more detailed understanding of construction adjudication will be beneficial for their work in advising clients.

Modules 2 & 3 are required training for anyone interested in applying to become a member of an adjudication roster.

Price: $995 + taxes

* If you are taking Module 2 and 3 you can take both for a reduced price of $3,500.

Module 3

Please email your interest for courses to Fordam.wara@adric.ca

This course will be presented online.
Limited spaces – Register early.

Registered participants will be sent an email with the Microsoft Team’s link the Monday before the course. Please be sure to check your Spam as the emails are often pushed there as “unrecognized email”.

PREREQUISITES:

  • ADRIC-RICS Module 1: Introduction to Adjudication (recommended)
  • ADRIC-RICS Module 2: Adjudication Advocate Training (mandatory)

A comprehensive 28 hour training program, following the ADRIC-RICS Adjudication Advocate course.

This course is broken into units and is delivered over four weeks to allow time for study and preparation between sessions. Please note candidates should factor in that there will be additional study and assessment preparation to be undertaken during this period.

This module covers  the remaining knowledge and competencies you need to practice as a construction adjudicator, with specific focus on applicable common and statutory law, adjudication practice, managing the adjudication process and decision writing.

Assessment:  This module is subject to formal assessment in the form of a written examination, an online assessment and a practical adjudication decision writing exercise.

Please email your interest for courses to Fordam.wara@adric.ca

Price: $2595 + taxes

Modules 2 & 3 are required training for anyone interested in applying to become a member of an adjudication roster.

* If you are taking Module 2 and 3 you can take both for a reduced price of $3,500.

Note: The training you will receive has been designed by RICS/ADRIC based upon the combined experience of these organizations respecting construction adjudication.  ADRIC/RICS are confident that, following the successful completion of the three module program, a candidate will be well trained in the basic principles of construction adjudication and eligible to apply for a Q.Adj (Const)) designation from ADRIC (subject to completing the ADRIC designation process).

A candidate must note, however, that this training does not guarantee an appointment to the roster of any nominating authority in any jurisdiction.  Appointment to a Canadian federal or provincial roster of adjudicators remains subject to the relevant legislative frameworks many of which are not yet enacted in whole or in part.  Moreover, it is the nominating authority in each jurisdiction which is vested, under the legislation, with the power to appoint adjudicators in those jurisdictions. For example, ADRIC’s Quebec Affiliate, L’Institut de mediation et d’arbitrage du Quebec, is the current nominating authority in that province. Similarly, ADRIC’s Saskatchewan Affiliate, ADRSK, shares responsibilities with the Saskatchewan Construction Association for the operation of the Saskatchewan Construction Dispute Resolution Office (SCDRO), the nominating authority in that province. ADRIC/RICS and ADRIC’S Alberta Affiliate, ADRIA (operating in partnership as “ARCANA(AB)”) has recently been appointed as a Nominating Authority in Alberta. Further information can be found at:  https://adric.ca/construction-adjudication.

Candidates for any roster established by ADRIC/RICS will be required to complete an application and undertake an ADRIC/RICS interview process (for which there will be an additional fee) and complete the RICS Professional Ethics module.  Ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) is also required to maintain the Q.Adj (Const) designation and roster qualification.

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ADRIC-RICS Canada Adjudicator Training

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ADRIC and its partner, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), have developed a Model Framework for Construction Adjudication across Canada to set the standard for the management and administration of this new field of ADR in Canada.

The ADRIC-RICS Model Framework provides comprehensive guidance for all jurisdictions in Canada to achieve an ADR system that will be consistent across the country, based on the 95% success achieved since the first introduction of interim adjudication in the UK 25 years ago.

The training you will receive has been designed by RICS/ADRIC based upon the combined experience of these organizations respecting construction adjudication.  ADRIC/RICS are confident that, following the successful completion of the three module program, a candidate will be well trained in the basic principles of construction adjudication and eligible to apply for a Q.Adj (Const)) designation from ADRIC (subject to completing the ADRIC designation process).

Further information can be found at:  https://adric.ca/construction-adjudication.

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$5-million expansion to family resolution services

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For the first time in more than 20 years, Alberta is increasing the income threshold for family mediation services to help more Albertans resolve family disputes. 

The family mediation program allows low-income parents who are separating or divorcing to resolve parenting issues and create parenting plans outside of the courts. To keep up with the rising cost of living and make the program more accessible to Albertans, the eligibility income threshold for the program increased to $60,000 from $40,000 on March 1.

The family mediation program is one of many family resolution services Albertans can access. Budget 2023 is providing $5 million to enhance family resolution services, such as pre-court assessment, mediation, family court counsellors and parenting intervention programs. These services make a difference to many facing the emotional stress of family legal matters and help mitigate justice system backlogs by allowing families to resolve disputes outside the courts.

“Adjusting the eligibility income threshold for the family mediation program for the first time in 20 years will reduce costs to taxpayers, reduce court backlogs, and most importantly, allow more Albertans to access a program that reduces the stress of resolving family disputes.”Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

“In times of family breakdown, going to court can be an incredibly difficult and stressful experience for everyone involved. Providing more support to help Alberta families resolve disputes fairly and equitably outside court will have significant positive impacts on the outcomes of these cases. Additional funding for family mediation services means that more Albertans will be able to amicably resolve their family issues with confidence and dignity.”John Panusa, KC, president and CEO, Legal Aid Alberta

“Accessible family justice is essential to the well-being of Alberta’s families, particularly for the children of families that are restructuring and facing new challenges. Reducing the financial and emotional cost of separation and divorce with mediation and other less adversarial options will ensure families can still thrive and preserve essential relationships. ADRIA fully supports dispute resolution options such as mediation that encourage families to resolve their differences outside of the courtroom, and to successfully manage their co-parenting responsibilities. The decision to raise the eligibility income threshold for Alberta’s family mediation program represents significant support for Alberta families and children, and for alternative dispute resolution as the preferred alternative to court.” Paul Conway, executive director, Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Alberta

“The Alberta Family Mediation Society is very pleased to hear that Alberta Justice is increasing the income threshold for their family mediation services. This increase will benefit many Alberta families experiencing family conflict. Family mediation can reduce the financial and emotional costs of litigating as well as shorten the time frame required to reach a resolution. It allows the participants to engage in a collaborative problem-solving process with an experienced family mediator who is neutral and can assist the parties in navigating their particular conflict.”Sharon J. Crooks K.C., board chair, Alberta Family Mediation Society

“Parents going through separation and divorce often don’t know how to start or where to turn for help. Family mediators help parents work together to reorganize their family in the best way possible, creating two homes from one where children can feel secure and supported in both. In mediation, parents focus on their children while making the many changes and decisions needed to set up their new co-parenting relationship. This increase in funding will open the door to many more parents looking to move through one of life’s most stressful events collaboratively and respectfully, minimizing the impacts on their families, their health and their financial resources.”Judith Lake, past president, Alberta Chapter, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

“When turmoil is going on for the family, everyone is experiencing the breakdown of relationships within it. Family mediation creates a safe space to work through the issues in a way that creates a better outcome. Mediation focuses on the best interests of the children and safety plans can be put in place. Court backlogs draw out this process and children’s voices are never heard.”Barb Barclay, southern regional manager, Native Counselling Services of Alberta

Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.

Quick facts

  • Parenting disputes resolved by mediation result in significant cost savings. The average cost to staff a courtroom for a parenting dispute is $2,731 compared to $641 for family mediation services, resulting in a savings of $1,730 per dispute.
  • From 2015-2020, the average number of mediations completed per year was 1,073.
  • Current wait times for mediation are one to three weeks, depending on the location.
  • More than 85 per cent of mediation sessions lead to a resolution and more than 90 per cent of Albertans report being satisfied with the service.
  • The family mediation program is available across the province.
  • This change is supported by Provincial Court of Alberta and Court of King’s Bench judiciary.

Related information

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ADRIA is now delivering Prompt Payment Construction Adjudication Services!

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Construction Adjudication services in Alberta are now regulated under the Province’s Prompt Payment Construction Lien Act (PPCLA).  Effective August 28th, 2022, all construction payment disputes are subject to the regulated adjudication process, and all construction adjudicators offering services under the PPCLA must be certified by a Nominating Authority (NA) appointed by the Minister Service Alberta.  Visit  https://adralberta.com/prompt-payment/  for more details and a link to the legislation.

 Effective March 7th, 2023, ADRIA and its partners (collectively operating as ARCANA (AB)) have been granted ongoing Ministerial authority to provide NA services in Alberta for the provision of construction adjudication services.  In fact, ARCANA (AB) is the only NA with delegated authority in the province, and expects to be formally appointed in the weeks ahead.  ARCANA (AB) represents a collaborative partnership between ADRIA, ADR Canada (ADRIC) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and over a dozen roster applicants completed 40+ hours of construction adjudication training in 2022.  Another training session is planned for this Spring – see the details below. 

ADRIA will soon post supporting website materials and a roster of qualified adjudicators, and has already begun accepting contract payment disputes and appointing adjudicators.  ARCANA (AB) is working closely with the construction industry representatives to ensure that its NA services meet the sector’s needs, and will form a standing Advisory Council to enhance services over time.  Visit the ADRIA website for updates and roster opportunities in this sector, and to register for the April 20th Prompt Payment Construction Adjudication Symposium in Calgary or live stream.

<strong>ADRIA is now delivering Prompt Payment Construction Adjudication Services!</strong>Read More

Workplace Harassment: Expected and Prohibited Conduct

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While we all know there is a requirement to treat our colleagues, clients, and others we interact with at work with dignity and respect, sometimes inappropriate interactions creep in without our awareness or recognition.

This introductory presentation covers:

  • sexual harassment and bullying behaviours
  • affects to the targets of harassment and the overall workplace
  • respectful workplace behaviour and expectations
  • reporting and investigative procedures and expectations

Speaker:  Ruthann Weeks, CRS

Ruthann Weeks is a People and Culture Strategist and founder of Harmony In The Workplace. She is a change agent whose efforts have helped to bring the importance of an abuse-free work environment to the forefront of public awareness. She is an author and gifted keynote speaker who delivers a powerful message about today’s workplace challenges.

Working as a Certified Resource Specialist in the human service sector, Ruthann went on to graduate as a Human Resource Manager. She is a Certified Psychological Safety Advisor and specializes in leadership development, people and culture, diversity and inclusion, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and mental health in the workplace.



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Decisions, Decisions – How to Write them Successfully

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In this video Leila Gosselin discusses the essential requirements for an effective decision. She shares how to write an effective decision designed for the related audience, including the legal requirements for administrative decision makers. She addresses two main motives/explanations on what makes a written decision ineffective or futile. Leila shares a sample of a decision writing structure and the steps for effective decision writing.

Leila Gosselin, BA Specialization in Criminology, JD, CTAJ

Ms. Gosselin is a retired lawyer who practiced in the area of administrative law.

She received her B.A. (Criminology with Distinction 1986), and LL.B. (1989), from the University of Alberta. She articled with The City of Calgary Law Department in 1989 and was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1990. She received her Chartered Mediator status in January 2000.

Ms. Gosselin has appeared before several administrative tribunals including the Labour Relation Board, Human Rights Commission, Land Compensation Board, Assessment Review Board, Municipal Government Board, and Livery Transport Services Board. Ms. Gosselin has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada.

She is a senior instructor with the Foundation of Administrative Justice (FOAJ) and holds her Certificate in Tribunal Administrative Justice™ offered by FOAJ.

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Irish Mediation Act 2017

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Support for the regulation of mediation in Canada has waxed and waned over the years. Many practitioners agree that some form of oversight is needed although many cannot agree why. One of the strongest arguments against regulation is the cost involved to set up regulatory bodies which would likely mean higher professional membership fees for mediators. But there is more than one way to consider regulation and in this webinar we hear about the experience in Ireland with its Mediation Act, 2017 and if this model should be considered in Canada.

Presenter:  Colm Brannigan

Colm Brannigan is mediator and arbitrator in the Toronto area. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, holds an LL.M. in ADR, and is a Chartered Mediator and a Chartered Arbitrator through the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC).

An acknowledged Canadian expert in the development of online dispute resolution and med-arb processes, he is the first person to receive the Chartered Med-Arb designation from ADRIC.

Colm is a frequent speaker at continuing education webinars, programs and conferences and has taught ADR in the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University.  He is a founding member of the Canadian Collaborative for Engagement & Conflict Management (https://www.c4ecm.ca/) an innovative group dedicated to ADR training and best practices.

Colm can be contacted by e-mail at colm@mediate.ca or through his website www.mediate.ca.

Presenter:  Paul Pierse

Paul Pierse is a lecturer on the LL.B. in Irish Law, the Certificate in Mediation and the Certificate in Dual Career Development (Sports).

From Listowel in County Kerry, Paul obtained an honours degree in Commerce and German from the National University of Ireland, Galway, before being admitted on to the roll of solicitors by the Law Society of Ireland and Certified to practice as a Mediator by the Mediators Institute of Ireland. Paul has developed a keen interest in mediation as an alternative to litigation and actively promotes its use in appropriate circumstances. He was instrumental in the inclusion of a separate module on Mediation in the LL.B. (Hons) in Irish Law in Griffith College – a first in Irish third level education.

Paul is recognised as amongst the most established lecturers in delivering third level education through blended delivery. Having just completed his PGDip in Teaching and Learning at the time, Paul was selected as part of the pioneering cohort of lecturers when the LL.B. (Hons) in Irish Law was first launched via blended delivery.

Paul continues to lecture a number of core modules on this successful course.

Presenter:  Dr. Roisin O’Shea

Róisín is a former Irish Research Council scholar, who was awarded a Ph.D. in 2014 for her doctoral research on Judicial Separation and Divorce in the Circuit Court, Ireland. She has significant experience as a mediator completing hundreds of cases since 2009 including Family, Work-place, Farm family, SME mediations, Commercial disputes, Succession disputes, Wards of Court and EPA (Enduring Power of Attorney) disputes and Personal Injury claims. Many of these cases have been referred to Róisín after legal proceedings have been initiated, and the majority of cases subsequently came to a mutually satisfactory agreement.

This recording is from our February 17, 2022 Webinar:

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Webinar Recording: Introducing a Contemplative Practice into your Practice

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Imagine what the world could look like if we had more awareness or were more skillful in providing constructive feedback to each other!

Jules utilizes “Active Engagement” (the art of active noticing and mindfulness) as a principled way to help teams, clients and consultants, families and loved ones have honest and safe conversations with each other. He promotes self reflection and being more aware of our own behaviors and actions to see  if they are in alignment with our espoused values. Are they in sync?

Perfect lessons and reminders as we re-emerge into a new world post Covid world.

Jules LeBoeuf is a registered forestry practitioner with the College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologist with 35 years of experience in natural resource management.  A career ranging from working in the field as a forest officer to senior manager in Wildfire Management has reinforced the importance of dialogue in building trustworthy relationships on the landscape or in the corporate boardroom.  His insight into natural resource management and human factors has enabled him to help teams solve substantive problems more effectively through reflective dialogue practices.  As a neutral third party facilitator he assists a broad range of individuals and teams based on the core principles of transparency, supporting free informed choice, creating safe places to talk together and taking time to build shared understanding with intent to take action.

He has completed a 2-year certification practicum for facilitators and trainers in the art and science of the practice of Active Engagement hosted by The Centre for Contemplative Dialogue located in Georgetown, IN, USA.  He is an active faculty member and trainer/facilitator on workshops and practicums sponsored by the Center for Contemplative Dialogue and currently working as a senior manager with the Government of Alberta, department of Environment and Parks.

This recording is from our December 14, 2021 ADR Webinar:

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Kindness and Communication Workshop – Conflict Resolution Day 2021

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Our world is changing in so many ways and this means our manner of communication is changing. With covered faces and virtual meetings, we must rely more on the intention of the words that are being used to relay messages.

This workshop shows us how to bring kindness into communication by exploring the differences in and value of both empathy and sympathy, create empathic statements and how empathic responses can diffuse conflict and improve relationships. We look at the importance of being aware of alternate cultural responses in communication and how conflict can bring new insight and understanding to your personal and professional interactions.

​Being kind in communications requires awareness, strength and courage. 

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From Horses to Negotiating – A Day in the life of a Vancouver police officer

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Susan and her partner Apollo

Susan Sharp is the Sergeant in charge of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Mounted Unit.

A 22-year member of the VPD, Susan has worked in various operational positions in surveillance, property crime, and the Court and Detention Services section.

She is also a member of the Crisis Negotiator Team, where she is a Negotiating Liaison Officer who advises  the Critical Incident Commander .

Susan shared some of her stories about what it’s like to be a police officer on horseback in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.  She also shared some of the strategies her team uses when communicating with a person in crisis or negotiating with a high-risk subject.

This recording is from our September 29, 2021 ADR Webinar:

From Horses to Negotiating – A Day in the life of a Vancouver police officerRead More