Four forces shape difficult family conflict: scarcity, escalation, grief and power. This year’s joint conference looks at how each one enters the mediation room, and how practitioners can recognise and respond to them more effectively.
FMC and AFMS 2026 Joint Conference
The Human Dynamics of Conflict
Exploring Grief, Power, Scarcity, and Escalation in Family Mediation
A joint conference between Family Mediation Canada and the Alberta Family Mediation Society
Conference Agenda
Friday, November 20, 2026. All times are Mountain Standard Time (MST). Virtual attendees, please adjust for your own time zone.
8:15 to 8:45 AM
Arrival and Registration
8:45 to 9:00 AM
Welcome
Welcome and Introductions
Brad Mustard, K.C. and Dr. Michael Saini
9:00 to 10:30 AM
Panel
Scarcity and Decision-Making
Navigating limited resources, competing needs, and zero-sum thinking.
Panelists: The Honourable Justice M.C. Christopher, Alberta Court of Justice; Vincent Xu, Director of Resolution Program Services, Alberta Justice
10:30 to 10:45 AM
Refreshment break
10:45 to 11:45 AM
Presentation
Escalation and Entrenchment
Understanding high-conflict dynamics and responding to polarization, blame, and rigid positions.
Presenter: Robin M. Deutsch, Ph.D., ABPP (presenting virtually)
11:45 AM to 1:15 PM
Lunch, including the AFMS Annual General Meeting
1:15 to 2:45 PM
Presentation
Grief and Loss
Beyond Conflict, Part 1: A Grief-Informed Approach to Mediation
Presenter: Baljinder Sull, M.C., R.Psych.
Please note that Part 2 of this session will be presented as a complimentary FMC Speakers Series webinar on Wed Dec 9 at 11:00AM-12:00PM MST
2:45 to 3:00 PM
Refreshment break
3:00 to 4:00 PM
Panel
Power and Participation
Promoting fairness and meaningful engagement when power imbalances affect the mediation process.
Panelists: The Honourable Justice Sherry L. Kachur, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta; Tina Huizinga, K.C.; Michelle MacKay, K.C.
4:00 to 4:15 PM
Closing Remarks
Additional information about each session and presenter will be added soon!
Agenda at a Glance
Registration Rates
Early in-person pricing is available until October 10, 2026.
| Early In-Person (until Oct 10) |
Regular In-Person (from Oct 11) |
Virtual | |
| Member | $350 | $425 | $250 |
| Non-Member | $500 | $600 | $400 |
The non-member price includes a one year FMC membership. Alternatively, you can join now as a General Member for $140 per year.
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 when switching from in-person to virtual. By completing your registration, you acknowledge and accept these terms.
Where to Stay
A discounted room rate has been arranged for conference attendees at the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre, 11727 Kingsway NW, Edmonton. Rates vary by room type.
In order to book at the preferred rate, call the front desk directly at 780-452-7770 and let them know that you are attending the FMC/AFMS conference on November 20.
Register
Sponsorship Opportunities
Our annual conference brings together professionals, practitioners, and thought leaders working in the field of family mediation. We invite sponsors to partner with us in supporting this event while gaining visibility with a national audience of engaged attendees. Your sponsorship helps offset event costs and creates meaningful networking and learning opportunities for participants.
Platinum
$4,000
1 available
Everything in the Gold package, plus a 10 minute address during opening remarks and additional recognition during the Wine and Cheese Reception.
Gold
$3,000
2 available
Everything in the Silver package, plus the opportunity to place promotional material on tables.
Silver
$2,000
3 available
Everything in the Bronze package, plus logo signage at the in-person venue and a dedicated social media post.
Bronze
$1,000
4 available
Logo on the conference website, in the printed program and in the event slide deck (in person and virtual), verbal recognition during remarks, and an aggregate social media post.
To learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact Sue Bedier at admin@fmc.ca. Thank you for helping make this year’s conference a success.
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.