How does the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of British Columbia help parties in a dispute?

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of British Columbia aids parties in a dispute primarily through the designation of a mediator. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates discussions between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

This assistance is crucial for parties who cannot agree on their own, as the mediator acts as a guide, providing a structured environment where open communication can occur. The mediator does not impose a solution but encourages collaboration and understanding, which can often lead to a consensual outcome that avoids the need for more formal legal proceedings.

While appointing an arbitrator may also be part of the dispute resolution solutions offered by certain organizations, mediation is emphasized in contexts where parties seek cooperative solutions rather than a binding decision made by an arbitrator. Legal representation and enforcing court rulings fall outside the scope of mediation and are generally the responsibilities of lawyers and the court system, rather than a mediation entity.