As we begin 2026, I am honoured to serve as President of Family Mediation Canada. I would like to acknowledge the leadership and dedication of those who have guided FMC in recent years and to thank the Board and staff for their ongoing commitment to strengthening family mediation across Canada.
FMC enters the new year at a pivotal moment for family justice. Across jurisdictions, families are navigating increasingly complex transitions, and there is growing recognition of the need for accessible, ethical, and responsive dispute-resolution processes that meet children’s and families’ diverse needs. Family mediation continues to play a critical role in supporting constructive problem-solving, reducing adversarial conflict, and promoting durable outcomes for families.
Looking ahead, the focus for the year will be on consolidating and strengthening FMC’s core work. This includes supporting high-quality professional development, maintaining strong practice standards, and fostering opportunities for peer learning and connection among mediators nationwide. Ensuring members feel supported in their practice remains a central priority.
FMC will also continue to contribute thoughtfully to broader conversations within the family justice system. This includes engaging with policy developments, collaborating across disciplines, and drawing on emerging research that informs mediation practice. As an organization, FMC is well-positioned to bridge research, practice, and lived experience to enhance the credibility and impact of family mediation.
I am particularly mindful of the importance of balance in our work. It is important that we balance consistency with innovation, accessibility with rigor, and flexibility with clear ethical boundaries. Maintaining this balance is essential to ensuring that family mediation remains trusted, effective, and responsive to the realities families face.
I look forward to working closely with the Executive, the Board, and our members throughout the year. Thank you for your continued engagement with Family Mediation Canada and for the important work you do to support families through periods of change.
Michael Saini, Ph.D., M.S.W., R.S.W. FMC Certified (Family Relations Mediation) Standard
Professor
Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
Factor-Inwentash Chair in Law and Social Work
Co-Director of MSW/JD Program
Cross-Appointed with the Faculty of Law (Associate Professor)
University of Toronto