ADR – The ADR Institute of Ontario

The Case for Canadian Arbitration in a Diversifying Trade Landscape

January 15, 2026eventsBlogADR, ADRIO, Arbitration, Canadian, Khalil Mechantaf, Trade

This post is written by Khalil Mechantaf, Q.Arb, an international arbitration lawyer with DWG Group (Ontario) LLP, based in Toronto. As the federal government diversifies Canada’s trading relationships beyond traditional partners and actively pursues deeper commercial ties in strategic markets, a parallel and essential opportunity is emerging to supercharge Canada’s international arbitration landscape as the go-to arbitral jurisdiction for disputes

2026, with Purpose and Passion

January 15, 2026adminUpdatesADR, ADRIO, Arbitration, conflict management, HR, Leadership, Mediation, ontario

Dear ADRIO Members and Dispute Resolution Practitioners Happy New Year! Wishing you a healthy, happy and successful 2026! We ended 2025 on a high note with our exciting annual member appreciation event! I want to congratulate the three longest standing members of ADRIO Richard McLaren, Harvey Kirsh, and David Atlin. These members were honoured for their commitment of 38 to 47 years of

The Importance of Sensitivity in Writing Arbitration Awards

October 16, 2025eventsBlogADR, ADRIO, Arbitration, benmor, steve

This post is written by Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law), C.S., the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, and a Divorce Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator. He can be reached at steve@benmor.com As the legal profession evolves, so too must the language we use to capture written judgments. As a Family Mediator/Arbitrator,

A Strong Wrap-Up to 2025

October 9, 2025adminUpdatesADR, ADRIO, Arbitration, conflict management, Facilitation, Mediation, ontario

Dear ADRIO Members and Dispute Resolution (DR) Practitioners I hope you are all well as you welcome in the Autumn season! Over the last 3 months, ADRIO has had a full schedule of exciting events and activities. We are looking forward to a focused last quarter to end the year off with much to celebrate.

Verify Identity: Why Mediators and Arbitrators Must Ask for Photo ID

August 28, 2025eventsBlogADR, ADRIO, AI, Arbitrator, Donald Bisson, Identity, Mediator, ontario

This post is written by Donald Bisson, a mediator and arbitrator with Northern Dispute Resolution Chambers Inc., and a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario. In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, dispute resolution professionals must remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of their practice and ensuring client accountability. One crucial but often overlooked

AI Is Transforming Divorce Mediation and Arbitration

August 18, 2025adminBlogADR, AI, Arbitration, Divorce, Mediation, Steve Benmor

This post is written by Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law), C.S., the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, and a Divorce Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator. He can be reached at steve@benmor.com The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked discussions across various industries; the discussions have included AI’s potential role in

Mid-Year Check-In: So Much to Celebrate!

July 7, 2025eventsUpdatesADR, ontario

Dear ADRIO Members and Dispute Resolution (DR) Practitioners, I trust that you are all enjoying this summer season! It is with deep gratitude that thank all of you who were able to join us for our 40th Annual General Meeting of the ADR Institute of Ontario Inc, online and for those of you who were

Thank You #ADRIO2025 Speakers and Sponsors!

June 9, 2025eventsUpdatesADR, ADRIO, ontario

We wrapped up our 40th Annual Professional Development Conference on June 6th. Session after session, it was a flood of valuable insights, practical wisdom, and great dialogue! Thank you to our sponsors: BFL Canada; Health Plus Insurance; Lightstone Academy for Conflict Resolution; Kompass Professional Development; Workplace Fairness International; and Stitt Feld Handy Group. Immense gratitude

(Updated) The Civil Rules Review (CRR) Phase 2

May 5, 2025adminUpdatesADR, ADRIO, Civil Justice, Colm Brannigan, Mediation, ontario

Dear ADRIO Members, The Civil Rules Review (CRR) Phase 2 Consultation Paper is available for review. This initiative, launched by Attorney General Doug Downey and Superior Court Chief Justice Geoffrey B. Morawetz, aims to reform Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure to make civil proceedings more efficient, affordable, and accessible. The consultation period is open until

ADRIO Strategic Priorities and Operational Plan

April 14, 2025adminUpdatesADR, ADRIO, Canada, ontario

Dear ADRIO Members and Dispute Resolution Practitioners Wishing you a warm Spring greeting from ADRIO! As I write to you, our staff team at ADRIO is preparing for a second quarter buzzing with exciting activities, events, and projects to support you at the highest level on your career pathway. We are heavily invested in the