Arbitration, Mediation, and Workplace Investigations
Resolution starts here.
Dispute Winners is the dispute-resolution practice of Chantelle MacDonald, K.C., Q. Arb., a King's Counsel, Qualified Arbitrator, and internationally accredited mediator serving businesses, employers, and counsel across Canada.
When disputes arise, in the workplace, at the bargaining table, or in complex commercial matters, you need a neutral who combines the sharpest legal acumen with the judgment of a seasoned executive leader. That is what Chantelle MacDonald brings to every file.
Credentials that set the standard
King's Counsel (K.C.)
Recognized excellence at the Bar.
ADRIC Qualified Arbitrator (Q. Arb.)
The national arbitration standard.
NL Labour Management Arbitration Committee Roster
One of only fifteen listed arbitrators in the province.
IMI Qualified Mediator
An internationally recognized mediation credential.
What Chantelle offers your organization
Four ways to reach a resolution
The right process depends on the matter, the relationship between the parties, and the outcome you need. Chantelle advises on the fit and conducts each engagement herself.
Arbitration & Adjudication
A final, binding, well-reasoned decision.
Authoritative awards grounded in a deep command of labour, employment, and health law.
Learn more →Mediation
Resolution that is better, faster, and for less.
Most disputes can be resolved when the right neutral is in the room.
Learn more →Independent Workplace Investigations
Findings that withstand scrutiny.
Independent, thorough, and procedurally rigorous investigations of serious workplace complaints.
Learn more →Workplace Assessments
An objective read on workplace culture and dynamics.
An expert assessment of culture, dynamics, or specific concerns, without the formality of an investigation.
Learn more →Why Chantelle
The difference experience makes
Most neutrals bring legal credentials. Chantelle brings something rarer: the perspective of someone who has sat on all sides of the table.
As advocate, executive, and adjudicator, Chantelle has sat on every side of the table. She understands what employers need, what is at stake for employees, and what a decision-maker requires to reach a defensible, principled outcome.
Read more about Chantelle →Common questions
Understanding the options before you choose
- What is the difference between arbitration and mediation?
- In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator hears the matter and issues a final, binding decision, similar to a court judgment but private and usually faster. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate their own resolution; it is facilitated and non-binding. Chantelle offers both, and can advise which fits a given dispute.
- At what stage of a dispute can Chantelle be engaged?
- At any stage. Chantelle can mediate before proceedings are filed, during litigation, or on the eve of a hearing, and she accepts arbitration and adjudication mandates as well as workplace investigation and assessment engagements.
- Who does Chantelle work with?
- She maintains a neutral practice and welcomes inquiries from counsel, employers, organizations, unions, and parties seeking an experienced, impartial dispute resolution professional. As a neutral, she does not act as an advocate for any side.
- What kinds of matters does Chantelle handle?
- Labour and commercial arbitration, mediation across labour, employment, commercial, and workplace matters, independent workplace investigations into harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, workplace assessments, and adjudication of Labour Relations Board matters. Her command spans labour, employment, and health law.
- What does an independent workplace investigation involve?
- When a complaint of harassment, discrimination, misconduct, or policy violation arises, Chantelle conducts an independent, procedurally rigorous investigation that is fair to all parties, defensible in any forum, and supported by a clear, well-organized written report.
- How is a workplace assessment different from an investigation?
- A workplace assessment is an objective, advisory read on workplace culture, dynamics, or specific concerns, without the formality of an investigative process. It helps leadership understand what is happening and take proactive steps, where a formal investigation is not needed.
Ready to resolve?
Chantelle welcomes inquiries from counsel, employers, organizations, unions, and parties seeking an experienced, impartial dispute resolution professional.