Legislation Encourages Businesses to Use Arbitration

JUSTICE--Legislation Encourages Businesses to Use Arbitration

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Justice Minister Robbie Harrison introduced legislation today to help businesses resolve disputes in a faster and less costly fashion. The Commercial Arbitration Act would encourage businesses to use arbitration as an alternative to the court process.

"Sometimes keeping people out of the courts is the best option," said Mr. Harrison. "This legislation is designed to provide these options by establishing a comprehensive arbitration procedure."

The legislation was developed in consultation with the Atlantic Provinces Arbitration and Mediation Institute. It improves existing legislation by offering clear guidelines on how to conduct arbitration. The bill also outlines a mediation procedure that encourages early and efficient settlement of matters in dispute.

"This is a positive step forward for alternative dispute resolution in Nova Scotia and, indeed, in Canada," said Douglas Tupper, past president of the Atlantic Provinces Arbitration and Mediation Institute. "It offers a well-defined structure for using arbitration and mediation to resolve commercial disputes. The legislation will help avoid costly and time-consuming legal battles in court."

Similar legislation has been adopted in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. The arbitration framework is consistent with models used internationally, ensuring that Nova Scotia's marketability will be enhanced.

NOTE: The following is intended for broadcast media.

The Nova Scotia government has introduced a bill that

would help businesses resolve disputes faster and cheaper.

The Commercial Arbitration Act encourages the use

of arbitration, instead of going through the courts.

Justice Minister Robbie Harrison says sometimes keeping

people out of the courts is the best option --and this

legislation would help that process along.

The bill was developed with the Atlantic Provinces

Arbitration and Mediation Institute.

It improves existing legislation by offering clear

guidelines on how arbitration should be conducted.

Similar laws are already in place in five other provinces.