The report released by the Canadian Centre for Elder Law last week emphasized the increasing importance of the issue given Canada’s aging population. It noted British Columbia’s recent introduction of mandatory mediation in adult guardianship matters through new legislative reforms as well as experiences in the United States in that area that raised several ethical concerns. They include the need to ensure the capability of participants to mediate; conflicts of interest; the necessity for legal representation; and abuse and neglect. Elder mediation, according to the report, “requires a particular degree of sensitivity and skill on the part of mediators.”

“Elder mediation is growing and there is a need to establish practice guidelines and develop competences,” it added."

 Please see the full report attached.