The Architecture of Trust Building in Mediation
Our conference planning team has been hard at work behind the scenes, crafting an unforgettable experience for our attendees. The full schedule is below, keep scrolling!!!
Most mediators believe they understand trust, yet trust often unravels in the very moments it matters most. This keynote invites participants to look deeper, exploring how trust actually forms, breaks, and repairs in mediation. Dr. Michael Saini draws on lived experience and new research to reveal the hidden structure of trust and how mediators can intentionally design it into every interaction. You will leave seeing trust not as an instinct, but as a framework to be studied, practiced, and strengthened.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Michael Saini
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Michael Saini is a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, where he holds the endowed Chair in Law and Social Work and is cross-appointed to the Faculty of Law. He also serves as the Co-Director of the combined J.D./M.S.W. program. With over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of family law and social work, Dr. Saini brings a deep understanding of how social work values align with mediation practices. His research and teaching focus on trauma-informed approaches, child-inclusive dispute resolution, and evidence-informed policy development. He has authored more than 200 publications on parenting evaluations, family violence, and dispute resolution processes and regularly presents to international audiences on the evolving role of social workers in legal contexts. Dr. Saini is a board member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Family Mediation Canada (FMC), and the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC), and is committed to strengthening the profession’s role in peaceful, collaborative family law solutions.
Pricing
| Early In-person (Until Nov 7) | Regular In-Person | Virtual | |
| Member | $350 | $425 | $250 |
| Non-Member | $500 | $600 | $400 |
The non-member price for the conference includes a one year FMC membership; or, join now as a General Member for $140/year.
On campus parking included!
Conference hotel: Alt Hotel Calgary University District, 482 Mclaurin St, NW,
Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6K3. Conference rate is $142/night, available until October 28, 2025 >> Click here to book at discounted rate
Registration Disclaimer
Registrations are transferable; however, no cancellations or refunds will be issued. Individuals who register for in-person attendance may switch to virtual attendance should circumstances change. Please note that no refund or price adjustment will be provided if switching from in-person to virtual. By completing your registration, you acknowledge and accept these terms.
Register Below
Did You Know?
FMC has over…
100+
BC Government Employee Members
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. 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 Family Mediation Canada affiliation and accreditation is highly valued and greatly supports public confidence in the province’s family mediators.