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FMC & AFMS Joint Conference 2026, Edmonton, November 20, 2026

The Human Dynamics of Conflict: Exploring Grief, Power, Scarcity, and Escalation in Family Mediation
Friday, November 20, 2026
Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre, 11727 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, Alberta & virtually via Zoom

REGISTRATION IS SET TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 21!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (all times are Mountain)

8:45am Welcome and introductions

9:00am 90 min panel: Scarcity & Decision-Making: Navigating limited resources, competing needs, and zero-sum thinking.
The Honourable Justice M.C. Christopher

10:30am refreshment break

10:45am Escalation & Entrenchment: Understanding high-conflict dynamics and responding to polarization, blame, and rigid positions.
Robin M. Deutsch, Ph.D., ABPP

Lunch 11:45-1:15pm (includes AFMS AGM)

1:15pm 90 min presentation: Grief & Loss: Recognizing emotional withdrawal, unacknowledged loss, and the impact of life transitions on conflict.
Baljinder Sull M.C , R. Psych.

2:45pm refreshment break

3pm 60 min panel: Power & Participation: Promoting fairness and meaningful engagement when power imbalances affect the mediation process.
Madam Justice Sherry L. Kachur, Tina Huizinga, K.C., Michelle L. MacKay, K.C.

4-4:15pm Closing remarks