PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
The parties to any non-family case in the Court of King's Bench which is being defended must attend a mediation session. Parties cannot be forced to settle but they must attend unless an exemption or a postponement has been granted.
If a party does not attend mediation the court can strike out their claim or defense. The court can also order further mediation sessions at any time.
A mediator will meet with all parties and help you discuss the issues and identify options for resolving your dispute. You will have the chance to work out a solution that is agreeable to both sides in a less adversarial setting than court. You are also in control of the terms of that agreement or final outcome.
The Dispute Resolution Office arranges for the session. No judge attends the mediation – just the parties, their lawyers, if they have one, and the trained mediator. Nothing said at mediation can be used later in court.
Evidence directly arising from what was said also cannot be used in court. For example, if someone disclosed the location of a piece of evidence during mediation this information cannot be used to locate the item so it can be entered as evidence at the trial.
The Regina Public Library and Saskatoon Public Library are hosting free Law Fair events during Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week to connect people with free legal information, assistance, and support. Attend to acquire legal knowledge and to broaden awareness of legal rights and responsibilities!