CanArbWeek

June 8-9, 2025

WCCAS once again participated in CanArbWeek (CanArbWeek.Org), held at The St. James Club in Montreal.

Following is a description of the WCCAS program:

Disclosure in Arbitration: Striking the Balance between Fairness and Efficiency

How does a Tribunal decide, early in the process. whether to grant or deny requests for disclosure on which the parties cannot agree?

The panel presented current arbitration practice guidance, resources, and trends followed by discussion on a series of disclosure stalemate scenarios.

Panelists:
Laura Cundari, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP, Vancouver
Mary Comeau, FCIArb, Comeau Arbitration Corp., Calgary
Panel Chair: Shannon Hayes, KC, FCIArb, Lawson Lundell LLP, Calgary

June 3-4, 2024

WCCAS again participated in CanArbWeek (CanArbWeek.Org), held at The National Club in Toronto.

Following is a description of the WCCAS program:

Arbitrating Your Way to a Speedier Trial

Speed up your litigation – the role of arbitrators in case management and other pre-trial proceedings

The court system has become increasingly ineffective for resolving commercial disputes. Delays in all aspects of pre-trial procedural steps in many jurisdictions are unacceptable. Judges are overworked and unavailable to resolve procedural disputes that stand in the way of getting to trial. Case management of complex litigation can improve efficiencies and access to justice.

Arbitrators can play an important role in all pre-trial proceedings for parties whose disputes are in the court system. They can act as case managers to move cases more quickly and effectively to trial. They can hear contested pre-trial applications with much less delay than a judge. The panel explored the roles arbitrators can play in the litigation process and how their decisions will be enforceable.

Panelists:
Jack Marshall, KC, Western Arbitration Chambers, Calgary
Hon. Kristine Eidsvik, KC, KME Dispute Resolution, Calgary
Robert Deane, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Vancouver
Panel Chair: Dan McDonald, KC, FCIArb, Western Arbitration Chambers, Calgary

October 18, 2023

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, WCCAS participated in the fourth edition of CanArbWeek (CanArbWeek.Org).

Following is a description of the WCCAS program:

WCCAS: The Search for Efficiencies in Arbitration

How do counsel and arbitrators ensure that parties’ expectations of a timely, cost effective and efficient arbitration are met? How can they reduce procedural complications and delays, excessive records, lengthy hearings and post hearing submissions and awards? What do parties want? Are complex arbitrations meeting parties’ needs or have they become private trials, and is that bad?

Panelists:
Sabri M. Shawa, KC, FCIArb, Partner, JSS Barristers, Calgary
Craig Ferris, KC, FCIArb, Partner, Lawson Lundell, Vancouver
Vasilis Pappas, FCIArb, Head, Int’l Arbitration, Partner, Bennett Jones, Vancouver
Panel Chair: Honourable Neil Wittmann, KC, Calgary

October 20, 2022

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, WCCAS participated in the third edition of CanArbWeek (CanArbWeek.Org), which featured programs with a focus on Looking Forward.

Following is a description of the WCCAS program:

Maximizing the benefits of arbitration: alternative approaches to common procedural steps

The panel discussed the tactical considerations for counsel and the case management considerations for arbitrators associated with specific procedural steps, such as pleadings, evidentiary objections, procedural applications, opening statements and claims for costs.

Panelists:
Tracey M. Cohen, KC, Fasken
Mary E. Comeau, FCIArb, former Litigation Practice Group Leader at Norton Rose Fulbright
Gerry Ghikas, KC, Vancouver Arbitration Chambers
Vasilis F. L. Pappas, FCIArb, Bennett Jones

A recording of the presentation is available at www.canarbweek.org. Click on the event title and select “Click here to view the event recording” in the program description. It can be viewed directly in your browser or downloaded to your desktop.

September 22, 2021

On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, WCCAS held an arbitration panel as part of the second CanArbWeek (CanArbWeek.Org).

The topics covered are listed below, followed by recordings of the presentation.

1. Opening Presentation:  Professor Craig E. Jones QC spoke on
“Biases in Adjudication in the Age of Zoom”

2. Evidentiary problems arising in virtual and in person hearings

Panelists:
Tracey M. Cohen KC, Fasken LLP, Vancouver
Rachel A. Howie, Dentons Canada LLP, Calgary
David Tupper, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Calgary

3. The arbitration record – what is and is not part of the record in an arbitration hearing

Panelists:
Gerry Ghikas KC, Vancouver Arbitration Chambers, Vancouver
Jack Marshall KC, Western Arbitration Chambers, Calgary
Vasilis F.L. Pappas, Bennett Jones LLP, Calgary

September 21, 2020

On Monday, September 21, 2020, WCCAS held an arbitration panel as part of the inaugural CanArbWeek (CanArbWeek.Org).

The topics covered are listed below, followed by a link to the recording of the presentation.

1. Speaker:  Grant Sprague, Alberta Deputy Minister of Energy

2. Using Technology in Extensive Document Arbitrations

Moderator:
Clarke Hunter, KC, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Calgary
Panelists:
Brian Casey, FCIArb, Bay Street Chambers, Toronto
Alexandra Mitretodis, Fasken LLP, Vancouver
Peter Sanford, Deloitte LLP, Vancouver
Lloyd Wilks, CounselQuest, Toronto
Tanya Barbiero, Davies Ward Phillips Vineberg, Toronto

3. New Act, New Rules, New World for BC Arbitrations

Panelists: (and members of the Centre’s Rules Committee):
Joe McArthur, FCIArb, C.Arb, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Vancouver
Laura Cundari, FCIArb, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Vancouver
Craig Chiasson, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Watch the entire presentation here: WCCAS – Google Drive