Here you will find copies of the ERCB's public information and education materials related to ADR.

What's behind the ADR initiative?

Dispute resolution is an extension of the ERCB's expectations for public consultation that started in the mid-1980s. Albertans quite legitimately want a say on issues that affect them, and this is adding up to a much greater investment of time, effort, and emotional energy for everyone involved in upstream petroleum applications.

What is ADR?   

The options exist along a continuum. At one end are means for resolution that allow parties control over the process used and the final agreements. They range from agreements made with no outside involvement (negotiations) through facilitation and mediation. At the other end are established formal procedures that result in a decision being made for the parties by arbitration and an administrative tribunal - e.g., ERCB Board hearing or the court system.

ADR stands for "appropriate dispute resolution." It means that a dispute can be resolved through a number of options and the parties are enabled to choose which one of them to use. 

EnerFAQs 11  All About Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

What are the benefits?   

The major benefits expected from the successful implementation of the ERCB ADR initiative are:

• improved landowner-industry relations in the interest of all Albertans
• better use of the ERCB's and stakeholders' time and other resources
• more face-to-face discussions between affected landowners and operators leading to local solutions to local problems
• enhanced efficiencies in the effort to meet the needs of stakeholders in the electricity and upstream oil and gas sectors
• increased resolution of industry-to-industry disputes without an ERCB hearing
• a more effective and efficient ERCB hearing, if one is necessary

What principles are addressed in the ADR program?

• Participation in ADR options is voluntary.  
• Participation does not preclude access to an ERCB hearing or the rights of the parties.  
• The use of ADR should not delay the ERCB's decision on the need for or the scheduling of a hearing.  
• Discussions within a Preliminary ADR Meeting or during subsequent mediation should be confidential and without prejudice, unless the parties agree otherwise.  
• For the Preliminary ADR Meeting, industry participants should be responsible for the costs, including the direct third-party costs of landowners and the public.  
• Costs and payment for future ADR options should be discussed and agreed to at the Preliminary ADR Meeting.