Mediation is an opportunity for people in legal disputes to
discuss their circumstances and try to reach a settlement. This is
done in the presence of an independent and impartial, trained
mediator. Mediation is an efficient option to reach a resolution of
existing and threatened litigation because it is cheaper and
quicker than going before a judge. For this reason, it is
especially common in employment law matters. In Toronto (as well as
Ottawa and Windsor), mediation is a mandatory process for most
civil cases.
The Mediator
Usually, the parties will try to work with the opposing lawyers
to find a mediator on which they mutually agree, and reaching this
consensus is typically successful. Toronto has many experienced
employment law mediators to choose from. However, if unsuccessful,
the court has a "roster" of approved mediators from which
one will be chosen and appointed for mediation.
