Frequently Asked Questions
Quarantine Conflict Resolution Service
If your question is not answered below please contact our Program Manager Amanda Semenoff Amanda.Semenoff@mediatebc.com or leave her a voicemail at 604 684 1300 ext. 108 to leave a message. She will try to respond within one business day.
What kinds of conflict can be referred for mediation?
Isolation and the stress of living in close quarters can cause, or increase, conflict for families, friends, and roommates, and can create challenges for work teams, small businesses, and more.
Mediate BC’s low-fee Conflict Resolution service may be able to assist if:
- You are a resident of BC
- You are in conflict because of the Pandemic
- All of the people in the conflict agree to participate in mediation.
Conflicts that might fall within this scope include:
- Family matters, including parent-teen and elder conflicts
- Return-to-School
- Roommates/housemates
- Landlord/tenant
- Cooperative or social housing
- Re-opening
- Shared workspaces
- Neighbours
What kinds of conflict do not qualify for this service?
This service is not designed for large and complex conflicts, or pre-existing conflicts. For example, our Quarantine Conflict Resolution Service mediators cannot help separating spouses to mediate a separation agreement. Mediators on Mediate BC’s Family Roster offer these services.
However, our program could mediate an agreement about how you will share your living space for the next 6-8 weeks or what return-to-school will look like for your children.
What does distance mediation look like?
A mediator will speak with each person involved in a dispute individually - by videoconference or by phone.
Once the mediator has had a chance to learn about the conflict, and about each person’s perspective on the topics that need to be resolved, the mediator will host a joint session to facilitate conversation about how to solve the concerns.
What types of online tools are used depends on the people involved and the resources they have available to them. They might use videoconferencing (Zoom, Skype, etc.) FaceTime, telephone, or any other platform that is comfortable for everyone.
The mediator will help the individuals in conflict to work out a plan for reducing or eliminating conflict.
What technology do I need to participate?
You need a phone to participate in distance mediation. If you have a computer or laptop with a mic and/or camera or you have a smartphone, the Mediators may choose to use videoconferencing.
What if I’ve never tried a videoconference before?
The mediator will check in with you about your comfort levels with technology and will help to identify the best tools to use. If they feel it would be helpful to use video, they will support you and show you how to use the program.
How much does this service cost?
Mediators have stepped forward and agreed to offer low cost services within their communities. This is their way to support those being impacted by the pandemic.
Fees are based on a sliding scale for individuals. Not-for-profit society and small business rates are also available.
Individuals
| Total Annual Income | Individual Party Hourly Rate |
| $0 - $45K | $20 |
| $45,001 - 55K | $25 |
| $55,001 - 65K | $35 |
| $65,001 - 75K | $45 |
| $75,001 - 85K | $60 |
| $85,001 – 100K | $75 |
| $100,001 - $120K | $95 |
| $120,001+ | Mediator’s posted rate |
Business Hourly Rates
$95 for businesses with less than $1,000,000 Gross Earnings
Mediator's Posted rate for businesses with more than $1,000,000 Gross Earnings
Non-Profit Organisation Hourly Rates
$75 for businesses with less than $1,000,000 Gross Earnings
Mediator's Posted rate for organizations with more than $1,000,000 Gross Earnings
We understand that many organizations are experiencing significant changes in earnings. Fee waivers are available.
I’m out of work and can’t afford even those fees. What can I do?
If COVID-19 has impacted your income, you can explain your situation on the Financial Declaration form and request a fee waiver at that time. Fees will be confirmed before you are referred to a Mediator.
What if I want to choose my mediator?
Because of how low the fees for these services are we are very mindful of how many cases we ask each mediator to take. Our roster is composed of experienced Professional Family, Civil and Child Protection Mediators. If it is important to you to have a specific mediator you can instead of using the Quarantine Conflict Resolution Service, you can contact a mediator directly from the Mediator Directory.