Conflict Resolution Day
October 16, 2008
The network was formed by Alberta government employees in 1996 following a very successful conflict resolution conference, Interaction ‘96, sponsored by the Conflict Resolution Network Canada, which included sectors representing government, business, schools, churches, restorative justice and international programs.
Members include government employees from a broad cross section of departments and agencies.
Members advance the understanding and use of dispute resolution alternatives and collaborative, consensus-based decision making processes. They increase awareness of existing programs and resources inside and outside government. Referrals are made to organizations such as the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society (AAMS), Alberta Family Mediation Society (AFMS), Mount Royal College and the Legal Education Society of Alberta for certificate training programs.
Network members also work with community mediation and restorative justice programs such as the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre in Edmonton, Community Mediation Calgary Society, the Alberta Conflict Transformation Society at 780-944-5265, and the John Howard Society for areas outside Edmonton. Other community mediation organizations include the Strathcona County Community Mediation Society (SCCMS).
The Government of Alberta has implemented the following dispute resolution programs:
- Agriculture and Food - Agriculture Operations Practice Act Nuisance Complaints The Practice Review Committee may use mediation to achieve resolution for nuisance complaints directed to the Minister under the Nuisance of the Agricultural Operations Practices Act if both parties are agreeable. 780-427-2433
- Agriculture and Food - Farmers’ Advocate assists farmers and ranchers in negotiating and mediating disputes related to such things as seismic activity, surface rights, mineral leasing, trespassing, farm machinery, confined feeding operations and nuisance complaints. 780-427-2433
- Employment, Immigration and Industry - Mediation Services assists labour and management to resolve disputes in collective bargaining negotiations. 780-427-8301
- Employment, Immigration and Industry - Workplace Effectiveness Program provides advice, facilitation and education to employers, employees and unions in Alberta. 780-415-0529
- Employment, Immigration and Industry - Labour Relations Board Unions and employers negotiate collective agreements which set out the terms and conditions of employment. Sometimes, the parties cannot reach an agreement. Before a strike or lockout can proceed, the parties need to go through a mediation process. Edmonton 780-427-8547, Calgary 403-297-4334
- Energy Resources Conservation Board - Appropriate Dispute Resolution Several dispute resolution options exist along a continuum including third-party mediation. The services may be used in regard to all types of projects, including drilling of sweet or sour wells and construction of facilities, such as battery, gas plan, to pipeline.
- Environment - Alberta Environmental Appeals Board An independent board that gives Albertans an opportunity to appeal decisions made by Alberta Environment under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The Board places a high value on its mediation program and encourages participants to use mediation as the primary way to resolve matters that come before the Board. 780-427-6207
- Finance - Auto Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee A dispute resolution process is available to assist drivers who believe their premium for mandatory auto insurance coverage has been incorrectly calculated, or who believe their insurer has treated them unfairly under the Insurance Act and Automobile Insurance Premiums Regulation. 780-421-8181
- Justice - Family Justice Services works directly with individuals and also with the judges of the Alberta Provincial Court and Court of Queen's Bench to help people get appropriate solutions for their family law issues including any instance where a family disagrees with a decision that was made by the director of Children’s Services.
- Justice - Civil Mediation Program – Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta applies to civil, non-family lawsuits at the Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton 780-427-2721 and Lethbridge 403-388-3102.
- Justice - Provincial Court - Civil Claims Mediation Program offers mediation at no cost to people with civil claims in Provincial Court in Calgary: 403-297-5536, Edmonton: 780-415-2701, Grande Prairie: 780-538-5340, Lethbridge: 403-388-3102, Medicine Hat: 403-529-8716, and Red Deer: 403-755-1437.
- Municipal Affairs and Housing - Municipal Dispute Resolution Initiative offers programs and services assisting municipalities in dealing with conflicts effectively. 780-427-2225
- Service Alberta - Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service is designed so that landlords and tenants can resolve disputes more quickly, with less formality and at a lower cost. 780-644-3000
- Solicitor General and Public Security - Restorative Justice requires the voluntary involvement of the victim, the offender, families, and the community in a healing process that involves dialogue and reconciliation. 780-427-3457
- Sustainable Resource Development - Dispute Resolution Process for Recreational Access to Agricultural Lease Land for recreational users and leaseholders of agricultural public lands to solve disputes over recreational access. 1-866-279-0023 (toll free)
To be connected toll-free in Alberta to any Alberta government office, dial 310-0000 followed by the area code and phone number of the office you wish to reach.