The Programs Branch (PB) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has requirements on an "as and when requested" basis for professional resources with expertise and skillsets for the delivery of financial counselling and mediation services.
This requirement is to establish a Task Authorization Contract with a qualified Contractor's for services in Alberta. It is intended to result in the award of 4 (four) contracts for 5 (five) years.
The Farm Debt Mediation Service (FDMS) offers free financial counselling and mediation services to farmers who are having difficulties meeting their financial obligations. It is a voluntary, private and confidential service that brings farmers and their creditors together with a Mediator in a
neutral forum to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
The FDMS Administrator will assign a Financial Consultant and a Mediator to work with the farmer through the mediation process. Confidentiality is extremely important to the quality and effectiveness of the service. Information obtained from the farmer and their creditor(s) is used for the sole purpose
of mediation and is shared only among the parties involved in the mediation process.
The Mediator will facilitate communication between the farmer and their creditor(s), guide them through the mediation process, and remain neutral throughout. The Mediator will work collaboratively with the Financial Consultant to understand the context of the file, including the recovery plan
developed by the farmer and the Financial Consultant. The Mediator will lead the mediation meeting and work with the parties toward a mutually acceptable solution. When the farmer and their creditor(s) reach an agreement, the Mediator will prepare the written arrangement and obtain the signatures of all participants.