Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the means by which the Defence Team (DND employees, CF Regular and Reserve members, and the Canadian Cadet Movement) are provided with the resources to resolve workplace conflicts early, locally and informally.   Individuals experiencing conflict are encouraged to consider using ADR as the first recourse for resolving the situation.

Although ADR is the preferred method of resolving workplace conflict, it in no way denies or limits an individual’s right to resolve the situation using one of the formal conflict management recourse mechanisms such as:

• Military Grievance; or
• Civilian Grievance.

Nor does it deny or limit the individual engaging other assistance programs such as:

• The Ombudsman;
• Member Assistance Program; or
• Military Family Services.

WHY IS THERE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Government of Canada (GC) has mandated that all Federal Government Departments have an Informal Conflict Management System and that their employees are aware of its availability.  The Canadian Forces (CF) and Department of National Defence (DND) recognized the necessity for an informal conflict management system well before it became law and had instituted ADR four years before the GC made it policy.  Many government departments have used the CF/DND program as the benchmark for developing their own informal conflict management protocols.

HOW IS ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLTUION PROVIDED

ADR is provided to the Defence Team through a series of Dispute Resolution Centres (DRCs) that are located at major defence establishments across the country.  These DRCs are staffed by professional ADR practitioners who provide a number of intervention services, ADR training courses and promotional activities:

ADR Intervention Services

ADR intervention services are broken down into three basic categories:

• Mediation – Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party assists parties to explore different points of view about their work conflicts, find new ways to resolve their conflict, work out their own solutions to the situation, and make decisions about what they want the future to look like.
• Conflict Coaching – Conflict coaching helps individuals to make sense of what is going on, assist in expanding the options available to them, and builds skill to manage the situation.
• Other Services – The DRCs also provide a number of other intervention services that include consultation, facilitation and group processes.

ADR Training

ADR provides training and workshops that are designed for DND employees, CF members and members of the Canadian Cadet Movement.

These courses provide individuals with a variety of competencies based such as:

• enhancing skills in collaborative problem solving;
• developing strategies and techniques to deal effectively with emerging conflict situations; and
• effectively managing conflict situations before there are large-scale impacts on the organization.

Courses can be customized in accordance wit the client’s specific needs. ADR awareness and skills building is integrated into civilian and military career and professional development programs.

ADR Promotional Activities

DRCs provide promotional briefings, presentations, and kiosks for units and organizations to help enhance the Defence Team’s awareness of ADR. 

WHERE CAN I GET ADR SERVICES

DRCs are organized by Region (Atlantic & Québec, NCR, Ontario, West & North) and direct contact can be made at the DRC by telephone or dropping-in.  The Program can also be contacted at 1-888-589-1750, and your request will be directed to the closest DRC for follow-up.