IN THE NEWS
August 01 2000
NEWS RELEASE For immediate release
New national organization formed to help
Canadians resolve disputes.
(Ottawa August 1, 2000) Canadian businesses,
governments, and individuals will now find it easier to resolve conflicts - and save millions of dollars - with
the creation of a new national ADR (alternative dispute resolution) organization.
The Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Canada (now ADR Institute of Canada, Inc), and the Canadian Foundation for Dispute Resolution (CFDR)
have joined to create the ADR Institute of Canada, Inc. This national Institute brings together arbitrators, mediators,
and major corporations and law firms who will work together to promote ADR for resolving disputes and other conflicts.
Alternative dispute resolution has astounding
potential. By forming the ADR Institute, we've created a mechanism that will allow businesses and individuals to
access mediators and arbitrators who can help them deal with conflict effectively and efficiently,? says ADR Institute
Past President Allan Stitt of Toronto. Significant new benefits are under development. Through one toll-free number, the public will have one-stop access
to arbitrators and mediators, training, and ADR systems design. Canadians will be able to access ADR professionals
through ADR Connect, an internet-based search product that will allow users to search for mediators and arbitrators.
The use of alternative dispute resolution continues to grow as people - and companies - realize its potential to
assist in resolving most disputes in less time, at a lower cost, and with better outcomes than the litigation alternative.
ADR is also more effective at maintaining relationships than going to court,? says Calgary-based Bill Hartnett,
President of the Canadian Foundation for Dispute Resolution.
ADR Institute members already include 1,600 arbitrators and mediators from all sectors of the economy across Canada
and over 60 corporations and law firms, all working together to promote the creative resolution of disputes. Corporate
members include Amoco, the Bank of Montreal, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Chevron, Dupont, Enbridge, IBM,
Imperial Oil, the Insurance Council of Canada, Nortel Networks, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, PanCanadian Petroleums,
Royal & SunAlliance Insurance, Suncor, Sun Microsystems, and Syncrude Canada.
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For more information contact:
ADR Institute of Canada, Inc.
416-487-4447
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Dispute resolution just became easier.
The Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Canada (AMIC) and the Canadian Foundation
for Dispute Resolution (CFDR) have joined to create a new national organization - the ADR Institute of Canada,
Inc.
"Bringing together users and providers of alternative dispute resolution is a positive step for all,"
says Bill Hartnett of Calgary, President of CFDR.
"This will bring ADR into the mainstream of Canadian dispute resolution," adds Toronto-based Allan Stitt,
AMIC's president.
The new organization will offer significant new benefits. Through one toll-free number, the public will have one
stop access to neutrals, training and ADR systems design. Companies and individuals will have much easier access
to ADR professionals through ADR Connect, an internet-based search product, which will allow users to search for
mediators and arbitrators. ADR Feedback will offer users summary information about ADR processes and neutrals.
Both organizations have impressive histories of promoting ADR. AMIC, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last
year, has served the needs of arbitrators and mediators from all sectors of the economy across Canada. CFDR has
represented over sixty corporations and law firms working together to promote the creative resolution of business
disputes. In joining together, AMIC and CFDR have taken a unique and creative step to advance the practice of
ADR in Canada.
The ADR Institute has over 1600 mediators, arbitrators, ADR trainers, and ADR systems design specialists from Victoria
B.C. to St. John's, Newfoundland. Corporate members include Amoco, the Bank of Montreal, Canadian National, Canadian
Pacific, Chevron, Dupont, Enbridge, IBM, Imperial Oil, the Insurance Council of Canada, Nortel Networks, PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, PanCanadian Petroleums, Royal & SunAlliance Insurance, Suncor, Sun Microsystems, and Syncrude Canada. |
"The use of ADR to resolve disputes continues to grow as people - and companies
- realize its potential to assist in resolving most disputes in less time, at a lower cost, and with better outcomes
than the litigation alternative. ADR is also more effective at maintaining relationships than going to court,"
says Bill Hartnett.
"ADR is a growing field. We've taken a positive step that will make it easier to find and deliver ADR services,"
says Allan Stitt. "This is a great opportunity for all."
The Institute at a glance
- A toll-free number will be established to field information requests and requests
for neutrals.
- New services in development include ADR Connect and ADR Feedback.
- The first AGM and inaugural convention of the ADR Institute will take place September
21-24, 2000, at Whistler, B.C.
- The Institute will administer a charitable foundation that will fund ADR research
and progressive ADR activities.
- The Institute will produce a quarterly journal providing information about ADR
in Canada and opportunities for members.
- The Institute and its regional affiliates will provide public seminars for neutrals
and users of ADR services.
- AMIC and CFDR rules will continue in effect.
- The Institute will certify chartered mediators (C.Med.) and chartered arbitrators
(C.Arb.) across Canada.
- A website will be established to provide information on the Institute's activities.
Until that time, information can be obtained through www.adrcanada.ca or www.cfdr.org
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