Dispute Resolution (DR) includes all possible processes for preventing and resolving conflict, from consensual to adjudicative, from negotiation to litigation.
The most appropriate method to resolve any given dispute can only be chosen after a careful assessment of the facts and circumstances of the case. In making this evaluation, one must consider the interests of the parties, the nature of the dispute and any statutory or policy restrictions governing the use of a particular DR process.
The consensual nature of most DR methods requires that the choice of process be made jointly by all parties. It is the ability of the parties to choose which DR process best fits the case at hand that will improve the quality of and access to justice. Acceptable settlements, which may not be available through the litigation process, can be developed by the parties.
It is the goal of the Agency to prevent or resolve all conflicts in a fair, timely, and reasonable manner.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) affirms the responsibility of all its employees to make every effort to prevent disputes from arising and, where they do arise, to address them as early and effectively as possible, in order to avoid the courts becoming the only avenue of recourse.
The spectrum of dispute resolution processes is not limited to civil matters, but rather is potentially applicable across the mandate of the CFIA.
In accordance with government policy, the Agency encourages the use of the various DR processes in all appropriate circumstances. The use of DR affirms the commitment made by CFIA in its Corporate Business Plan to "communicate decisions and practices in an open manner, with appropriate means for discussion, review and redress, using effective communication approaches and dispute resolution tools".
Leadership
Training
Dispute Prevention
Contracting
Dispute Resolution Services (DRS)
All inquiries regarding this policy should be routed through:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Dispute Resolution Services, Legal Services
1400 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0Y9
Telephone: 613-773-6024
Facsimile: 613-773-6093