As the national voice for family mediation in Canada, Family Mediation Canada (FMC) recognizes the importance of fostering strong relationships with organizations across the country and around the world. Partnerships strengthen our collective ability to promote and support high standards in family mediation. If your organization is interested in developing a partnership with FMC, please reach out using the CONTACT US page.
Partnerships
British Columbia’s Family Justice Services Division (FJSD) is part of the Ministry of Attorney General and has a long-standing relationship with Family Mediation Canada (FMC). In 1997, FJSD partnered with Family Mediation Canada to develop the certification process for family mediators which is now a requirement for all family justice counsellors providing family dispute resolution services. Once family justice counsellors have completed a six-month training program through the Justice Institute of British Columbia (which includes courses and a practicum), they must pass the Family Mediation Canada written exam and skills assessment required to be appointed as a family justice counsellor.
The province maintains certification for over 80 family justice counsellors which requires 21 hours of professional development annually. The FMC affiliation and accreditation is highly valued and greatly supports public confidence in the province’s family mediators.
Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and the Alberta Family Mediation Society (AFMS) have formalized a mutually beneficial partnership to enhance the practice and certification of Family and Elder Mediation. This collaboration, rooted in shared values of excellence and ethical standards, aims to advance recognition of family mediation as a credible and distinct specialty.
FMC, recognized for its expertise in national certification, and AFMS, Alberta’s leading family mediation organization, initiated this partnership through a pilot project in 2021. The partnership focuses on providing AFMS members access to FMC’s certification designations, especially the Family and Elder Mediation certifications at both Standard and Advanced levels. FMC oversees a rigorous national certification process, including role-play assessments, exams, and adherence to ethical practices. AFMS members benefit from reduced membership and training fees, access to FMC’s professional liability insurance, and automatic membership in the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) for those who achieve certification in elder mediation.
Both organizations promote joint events, share resources, and collaborate on raising awareness of family mediation. The cooperative partnership strengthens mediator qualifications and visibility provincially and nationally while ensuring the highest professional standards.
The partnership between Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) thrives on mutual support, collaboration, and shared vision. Since EMIN’s inception in 2008, FMC has been a steadfast ally, supporting its launch, development and World Summits.
FMC has adopted EMIN’s certification materials, Code of Ethics, and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults document, with FMC members contributing to updates and new drafts. Both organizations aim to advance Elder Mediation as a credible, distinct specialty that fosters dignity, respect, and optimal health. They share a commitment to high ethical standards, effective practice, and continuous learning.
Key collaborative elements include:
- FMC requires Canadian Elder Mediators to hold FMC membership, with a shared membership plan facilitating EMIN affiliation.
- FMC Elder Mediator members are granted membership in EMIN with full member benefits
- Cross-promotion of events, publications, and resources.
- Reciprocal conference registrations, website links, and mutual recognition in publications.
Both organizations advocate for excellence in Elder Mediation, supporting awareness, quality training, certification, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. This collaboration strengthens the profession globally and throughout Canada while enhancing resources for mediators and families navigating age-related issues.
Family Mediation Canada (FMC) proudly meets the prestigious international standards for mediator assessment established by the International Mediation Institute (IMI). As an IMI-Recognized Qualifying Assessment Program (QAP), FMC is authorized to assess and certify mediators for IMI Certification. Our rigorous assessment process evaluates candidates on their experience, knowledge, and mediation skills, ensuring alignment with IMI’s globally respected standards. IMI reviews and re-evaluates FMC’s QAP every two years to maintain these high benchmarks.
IMI Certification distinguishes mediators at different stages of their professional journey. IMI Qualified Mediators are emerging practitioners who have successfully completed an approved Certified Mediator Training Program. In contrast, IMI Certified Mediators are recognized as highly experienced professionals or experts in their field, assessed through accredited organizations like FMC.
IMI’s Independent Appraisal Committee carefully evaluates and approves QAPs that meet its stringent criteria, ensuring consistent quality and credibility. FMC’s QAP, endorsed by IMI, reflects our commitment to excellence in mediator certification and development. Through this partnership, FMC upholds the highest international standards, providing mediators with valuable credentials that are recognized worldwide.