Jan McKenzie, Q.C. - Services
Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution

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Investigator

Jan McKenzie acts as a neutral investigator in discrimination, harassment, bullying and other workplace complaints.

An investigation includes reviewing all relevant documents, interviewing the parties to the complaint, interviewing other relevant witnesses and preparing a written report of the outcome of the investigation. An investigation can be conducted to provide management or the union with an objective opinion of the facts which led to the complaint and the final report can include recommendations for resolving the complaint.

Alternatively, union and management can agree that the results of the investigation will be binding upon them.

Conflict Resolution Designer

Jan assists organizations in developing more effective systems for resolving workplace disputes. .

She first conducts an assessment of the workplace including a survey of the nature and number of disputes, the methods being used to resolve disputes and the outcomes. The various stakeholders then work together through sessions facilitated by Jan to develop systems that more effectively further the goals and needs of the organization and the people who work within it

Trainer

Jan conducts interactive workshops on topics relating to conflict and the workplace. Workshop topics include conflict resolution design, interest based negotiation, and harassment and bullying in the workplace. Workshops topics and formats are tailored to the needs of each group.

Neutral Evaluator

After reviewing relevant materials provided by the parties, Jan makes a neutral, non-binding evaluation of the facts, legal issues, and/ or likely outcome of a workplace dispute. Neutral fact finding and opinion making can be used to streamline negotiations, settle specific issues and/or aid in settlement of entire disputes.

Mediator

Jan acts as a mediator to assist management and labour reach voluntary resolution of a workplace dispute. Mediation can occur either before and after a formal grievance or legal action has been filed. Mediation is a voluntary and typically non-binding process in which the parties meet together and in caucus with the mediator to seek to achieve a consensual settlement outcome. If agreement is reached, it is binding on the parties.

Arbitrator

Jan acts as a grievance arbitrator. Arbitration is a process mandated under legislation and collective agreements requiring the parties in unionized workplaces to refer disputes to a mutually agreed upon neutral third party to render a binding decision.

Ombudsman

Jan can be retained by an organization to provide ongoing ombud services for workplace concerns. Under this service, employees and unions would have confidential access to Jan to discuss their workplace complaints. If Jan determines that the matter warrants further action, she can investigate, assist in the resolution of conflict and make general and specific recommendations to the organization for future action to improve upon services and/or administration.

6340 Hwy. 332, Upper LaHave, Nova Scotia B4V 7B3