What do mediators and conciliators do?
Mediation is one form of dispute resolution that parties involved in a complaint enter into voluntarily. A mediator is an impartial facilitator. He or she helps the parties to communicate effectively and work towards a resolution. A mediator can help the parties examine the advantages and disadvantages of possible options for resolution, can provide information and advice on the law and on past settlements in similar cases, and can help formalize an agreement reached by the parties. The mediator has no decision-making authority and does not provide legal advice. He or she represents the public interest rather than the interests of the parties in the dispute. Conciliation is another form of dispute resolution provided by the Commission. In addition to offering mediation, the Commission can appoint a conciliator when it believes that a complaint can be resolved. The conciliator guides discussions between the complainant and the employer, union or service provider (called the respondent)
