Dispute Resolution

Internal disputes that drag on can interfere with your organization's success. Margaret Ethier works with organizations to resolve all types of internal disputes, including conflicts that occur between:

• members within an organization
• members and staff
• executive and membership
• unions operating within unions

Fair, timely solutions that help your organization to move forward.

Engaging an independent dispute-resolution consultant can benefit your organization because:

• it removes the perception of bias
• it reduces the effect of personal rivalries and personality clashes on the dispute resolution process. This helps to minimize any residual animosity or ill-will within the workplace or organization.
• problems are settled in a timely fashion
• a neutral outsider can look objectively at the problem
• people often view the findings of an accredited, neutral third party as more fair and binding. The issue will feel "settled" and people can get on with the future.

Margaret Ethier provides the following types of dispute resolution services:

• written Parliamentary Opinions
• fact finding investigations
• informal resolution
• mediation
• arbitration

Margaret Ethier is a member of the Alberta Arbitration & Mediation Society (AAMS), and holds an AAMS Certificate in Arbitration: The Law and Practice.

When conflicts arise regarding the interpretation of an organization's bylaws and policies, or the roles and responsibilities of its members, the issues can often be resolved informally via a written Parliamentary Opinion.

Get an independent, neutral opinion on the procedural correctness of events or actions.

Analogous to the legal opinion provided by a lawyer, a written Parliamentary Opinion refers to the organization's bylaws, generally accepted principles of Parliamentary Law and Procedure (including Robert's Rules), and the applicable legislation to determine whether the events or actions in question are procedurally correct.

When prepared by a qualified expert, a written Parliamentary Opinion is usually accepted by both parties in a dispute as a final ruling on the correctness of the actions or events.

In the early stages of a dispute, a neutral third party can often uncover the real issues and help address them to the satisfaction of all parties.

Mediation is a process where a neutral third person helps parties to discuss and resolve disputes. A mediator's recommendation is not binding.

Dispute resolution services that generate creative, flexible, and fair solutions.

Arbitration is a process where the two parties agree to have their dispute decided by single Arbitrator or a panel of Arbitrators. The Arbitrator or Arbitration Board considers the evidence, including witness testimony, then issues a decision. The decision of the Arbitrator is binding.

As a neutral arbitrator and mediator, Margaret Ethier specializes in workplace disputes and internal disputes within organizations. She will act as a mediator or arbitrator for:

• Employer/Employee disputes
• Union-within-Union situations
• Condominium Associations
• Not-for-Profit Organizations
• Professional Associations

Margaret will work with your organization to resolve a particular dispute, or provide ongoing consulting assistance. For more information, contact Margaret Ethier.

more information on the differences between arbitration and mediation
see a glossary of dispute resolution terms