Minister of Justice Recognizes Impact of CAB Volunteer Mediators

The Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB) in Canada has a long history of providing members of the Ismaili community with ethical dispute resolution services in an environment that is culturally sensitive, with the goal to achieve solutions that are a win-win for all parties. CAB also analyzes the root causes of disputes with an aim to help prevent disputes in the community.

With a new team appointed in July, CAB members came together for a full-session meeting in September for the first part of their mediation training. To inspire the team about the difference they make, The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, offered the keynote address.

Minister Virani shared a number of the priorities of the Department of Justice, including equal access to justice in a cost-effective, timely and culturally sensitive way, underscoring the critical work of CAB in Canada. He also mentioned the importance of judicial appointments reflecting the diversity of Canada and the need for more applicants across the country to fill judicial vacancies. He thanked the volunteers for their efforts and spoke highly of the process through which CAB empowers parties to achieve fair outcomes.

“Hearing from Minister Virani about his thoughts on access to justice, as well as being able to ask questions and engage with the Minister on this topic was a unique opportunity that the team really appreciated,” said Al-Nawaz Nanji, Chairman of the National Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Canada. “It also reinforced the ethic of service in the Ismaili community and the essential role volunteers play in delivering services like those provided by CAB.”

Minister Virani himself is an active volunteer in his community. He is a supporter of The Redwood, a shelter for women and children fleeing abuse, has frequently helped at the Parkdale Community Food Bank, and still maintains his role as “Sorauren Park Hoser” ‒ assisting with the community rink build each winter.

The CAB preliminary training was a precursor to a subsequent week long training that each volunteer mediator must undergo to ensure high competencies and best in class service.  Learn more at Conciliation and Arbitration Board Canada.