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Private ADR Processes and the Proposed Code of Civil Procedure. Professor Frédéric Bachand Faculty of Law, McGill University [email protected]. A philosophical paradigm shift Mediation: a solid—though incomplete—framework Arbitration: a misguided and ill-informed effort. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Private ADR Processes and the Proposed Code of Civil
Procedure
Professor Frédéric BachandFaculty of Law, McGill University
I. A philosophical paradigm shift
II.Mediation: a solid—though incomplete—framework
III.Arbitration: a misguided and ill-informed effort
A. The Dark Ages of ADR
• National Gypsum, [1964] S.C.R. 144
B. From hostility to tolerance
• Zodiak, [1983] 1 S.C.R. 529
• 1986 reform of Quebec arbitration law
C. From tolerance to promotion
• Laurentienne-Vie, [2000] R.J.Q. 1708 (C.A.); Desputeaux, [2003] 1 S.C.R. 178; Dell, [2007] 2 S.C.R. 801
• Judicial mediation programs
• Lawyers’ evolving ethical duties
I. A philosophical paradigm shift
D. Public adjudication relegated to a subsidiary role
•
• Article 1(1): « Parties must consider the private modes of prevention and resolution [direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration] before referring their dispute to the courts. »
I. A philosophical paradigm shift
A. The global trend to regulate private mediation
• UNCITRAL Model Law on Int’l Commercial Conciliation (2002); U.S. Uniform Mediation Act (2001, 2003); European Directive on Civil/Commercial Mediation (2008)
B. What’s the point in regulating mediation?
• ***Confidentiality/privilege
• ***Quality/integrity of mediation
• Effect of undertakings to mediate (i.e. mediation clauses)
• Effect of mediated settlements
• Prescription
• Little need to regulate mediation procedure
II. The proposed mediation framework
C. Highlights of the proposed framework
• Robust impartiality/disclosure standards (Articles 3, 610(3))
• Good faith obligations clearly affirmed (Article 2(1))
• Confidentiality/privilege (Articles 4, 611(1))
• An interesting take on the professionalization debate (Article 611(2))
• Mediation’s darker side acknowledged and taken fairly seriously (Articles 2(1), 616, 618, 619(2))
• Mediator’s immunity (Article 608)
II. The proposed mediation framework
D. What’s not (and arguably should be) in the proposed framework
• Mandatory mediation--at least as a general rule (?)
• Costs rules designed to incentivize the parties
• Halsey v. Milton Keynes General NHS Trust, [2004] EWCA Civ 576
• Leicester Circuits Ltd. v. Coates Brothers Plc, [2003] EWCA Civ 333
II. The proposed mediation framework
A. The 1986 provisions
• Followed closely UNCITRAL Model Law on Int’l Commercial Arbitration; implemented 1958 New York Convention
• Monist regime: applicable to both domestic and int’l arbitration
• Though not perfect, by-and-large worked well--especially further to clarifications/support offered by SCC and CA
• Arbitration community--who was not consulted--expected nothing more than a few fixes
III. The proposed arbitration framework
B. The trouble with the draft bill
• ***A complete (and useless) rewrite/restructuring of the provisions
• An unacceptable broadening of the courts’ power to review arbitration award: « [...] the award is contrary to public order or would bring the administration of justice into disrepute »
• Unexplainable omissions: e.g. Article 940.3 of current C.C.P.
• Absurdities: e.g. Article 631
• Bottom line: arbitration less efficient, Quebec arbitration law moving away from internationally-accepted standards
III. The proposed arbitration framework
C. Several worthy proposals
• Confidentiality (Article 4)
• Immunity of arbitrators (Article 608)
• Default number of arbitrators: from three to one in domestic cases (Articles 625ff.)
• Judicial review of arbitrators’ negative jurisdictional rulings (Article 633(2))
• Provisional and conservatory measures (Articles 631(2), 637, 644)
• ***But: those changes don’t compensate for fundamental weaknesses
III. The proposed arbitration framework
D. Why it matters
• Efficient commercial arbitration fosters economic development
• Promotes rule of law, lowers cost of doing business
• Quebec’s untapped potential as a world-class int’l arbitration forum
• Bilingualism, bijuridism, accessibillity, low cost of living, geo-political neutrality, reputation of excellence in the field... and world-class nightlife and restaurants ;)
III. The proposed arbitration framework