June 2002

The Dispute Resolution Office

In 1996 the Ministry of Attorney General opened a Dispute Resolution Office (DRO). This step reflected the ministry's commitment to a justice and conflict resolution environment that includes a wide range of dispute resolution options, from collaborative processes such as mediation to formal decision-making processes such as arbitration and litigation in a court setting. The DRO uses the term "dispute resolution" rather than "alternative dispute resolution" to emphasize that processes such as negotiation, mediation, settlement conference, mini-trial and arbitration, together with litigation, form a single continuum of dispute resolution options. Non-litigious processes are therefore seen as complements to litigation, rather than alternatives. The primary focus of the DRO is on non-litigious dispute resolution processes.

Mandate
Within the limits of available resources, the DRO:

• facilitates the development and implementation of mediation and other dispute resolution options in the court system and in government,
• acts as a liaison between the ministry and the judiciary, the bar and the community to promote the implementation of dispute resolution options, and
• is a central resource dedicated to providing ministries and agencies across government with dispute resolution information and advice.

The DRO develops dispute resolution programs, as well as policies and procedures to guide their implementation. It does not provide mediators or direct dispute resolution services.

The DRO's efforts are focused on a number of fronts. In the court system, the DRO works closely with the judiciary and the legal profession. The DRO is committed to the belief that innovations will be most effective to the extent that they represent the joint efforts of all parties working in the justice system. In government, the DRO:

• provides advice and information,
• participates in the development of policy,
• conducts research into various dispute resolution-related issues, and
• acts as a link to dispute resolution resources within and outside of government.

The DRO is part of the Justice Services Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General. The Justice Services Branch works to:

• coordinate services to parties in family and civil cases,
• enhance the enforceability of family court orders,
• incorporate, where possible, a range of dispute resolution options within the justice system and across government,
• reduce the cost and complexity, and enhance the efficiency of litigation and adjudication systems,
• focus resources, including legal aid, on matters that most require them, and
• promote public access to the justice system.

Dispute Resolution Office
Ministry of Attorney General
PO Box 9222, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9J1
Tel: 250 356-8147
Fax: 250 387-1189
E-mail: AG.DRO.Victoria@gov.bc.ca
Web site: www.ag.gov.bc.ca/dro

DRO Bulletins

Enquiry BC will forward long distance calls at no charge:

• in Vancouver, call 660-2421
  
• elsewhere in B.C., call 1-800-663-7867

When you call, ask to be connected to the Dispute Resolution Office, Ministry of Attorney General.

June 2002