A Joint Conference Presented by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and the Alberta Family Mediation Society (AFMS)
Trust is the cornerstone of effective mediation—yet it is often the element most vulnerable to breakdown when emotions run high. The Architecture of Trust Building in Mediation brought together mediators, lawyers, and conflict resolution professionals from across Canada for a rich, multidisciplinary exploration of how trust is formed, challenged, and restored.
The conference opened with a compelling keynote from Dr. Michael Saini, who guided participants beyond intuition and into the emerging science of trust. Drawing on lived experience and new research, he revealed the hidden architecture behind trust in mediation—how it develops, why it fractures in pivotal moments, and how mediators can intentionally design trust into every stage of their work.
Attendees were then treated to a thought-provoking hour-long address by Dr. Larry Fong, whose depth of experience and storytelling added another powerful layer to the day's learning.
The event concluded with a dynamic and insightful panel featuring Dr. Michael Saini, Dr. Larry Fong, Rhoda Dobler, KC, and Brad Mustard, KC. Together, they explored the real-world implications of trust building, shared diverse perspectives from mediation and law, and answered questions that connected theory directly to practice.
This conference reframed trust not as instinct, but as a framework that can be studied, practised, and strengthened. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned mediator, the recording offers concrete tools and fresh insights to elevate your practice.
Course length (videos)
Dr. Saini keynote: 78 minutes
Dr. Larry Fongg: 54 minutes
Panel Discussion: 51 minutes
Total length: 183 minutes (3 hours, 3 minutes)