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Ontario|Arbitration / MediationMediation 505 Criteria for selecting a Mediator The mediation profession is not regulated in Ontario. Therefore, mediators do not have to take any specific required courses or pass any tests in order to practice mediation. As a result, you cannot go to any one source to obtain information about a mediator.
There are many different courses that a mediator may have attended, including courses offered by the local universities. Some of the courses offer diplomas or certificates and there is even a course that offers a Master's degree in law specializing in mediation.
When choosing a mediator, each party should consult their own lawyer and ask them to suggest names. If you do not have a lawyer, you can check Legal Line , the Law Society of Upper Canada, or search on the internet.
There are some organizations, such as Family Mediation Canada, that do certify mediators that have completed the requirements established by their organization. You can call such organizations directly or check their website for details.
Once you have found a mediator, contact that individual and ask them to provide a resume as well as the names of lawyers who have referred cases to them. It is a good idea to ask the mediator questions, such as whether they have ever mediated a dispute such as yours before, what they charge for mediating, and how and where they conduct their mediations. It is important that both parties have confidence in and feel comfortable with the mediator.
Remember that mediation is a process that only works when both parties consent to participating. Although the choice of mediator is important, choosing the mediator should not become part of the dispute. Agreeing on a mediator should be the first step in the process of reaching an agreement.
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