Rule 24.1 established the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program for case managed civil, non-family actions. The following sets out general information about the program.
Mediation is one way for people to settle disputes or lawsuits outside of court.
Mediators, unlike judges, do not decide cases or impose settlements. The mediator's role is to help the people involved in a dispute to communicate and negotiate with each other in a constructive manner, to gain a better understanding of the interests of all parties, and to find a resolution based on common understanding and mutual agreement. The purpose of mediation is not to determine who wins and who loses, but to develop creative solutions to disputes in a way that is not possible at a trial. It is expected to expand throughout Ontario over the next several years. The Program was designed to help parties involved in civil litigation and estates matters attempt to settle their cases before they get to trial, thereby saving both time and money.