Create a Reflection Paper regarding the Mediation scenario below.

• Introduction
• Positive critical behaviors
• Negative behaviors.
• What would you do differently next time?
• Conclusion.

Mediation between the City of Ottawa and the Protestors

Opening Remarks

Good morning, Welcome to mediation where we will have our facilitated meeting.

It's good to see the two of you here. I and my partner will be serving as your Mediator. You may call us by our first names; how would you like us to address you?

Thank you for joining us today from your respective locations. The purpose of this mediation is for the two of you to talk to each other to try and figure out a solution for the issues that you're having. First, there are a couple of items to get out of the way before we can begin so let's briefly review the mediation guidelines and agreement that my partner will distribute prior to today's session.

Let's start with the first page.

1. Either of you may ask to take a break at any time during our discussion. For example, if you feel yourself getting really upset at any time and feel that you really need to take a break to simmer down a little, let us know, and we will take a little time out. You can step outside for a few minutes if you wish, but we will ask you to let us know what is happening and then to return when you are ready to continue. Sometimes it is helpful for us as Mediators to meet separately with each of you during our discussion, so we may be doing that occasionally as well.
2. It is necessary for this process for each of you to sign this written agreement to mediate. If you would just look it over, please. It basically says that you have come of your own accord, that what you say here will be kept confidential, and that the Mediators will not be asked to release information discussed here, nor will they be summoned into court to testify on matters disclosed here.

Last of all,

We ask each of you to agree not to interrupt when the other person is speaking. We have placed paper and pencil here on the table so that you can keep notes about any responses to make. We also would like for you to agree to avoid the use of any abusive language, name-calling, etc. These rules are especially important in the next part of our discussion here.

(Name), can you agree. . .

(Name), can you agree. . .

Let us begin when the "Freedom Convoy" truck protests entangled Ottawa, Canada starting in late January 2022. The stated purpose of the convoy was to protest social restrictions and vaccine mandates that had been in effect for almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more than three weeks, a convoy of big rig trucks and large vehicles clogged the downtown streets of the Canadian capital. Traffic was cut off, there was a constant cacophony of honking and noise, residents reported harassment from convoy protesters, and businesses were obstructed from operating.

In mid-February 2022, the federal government invoked temporary emergency powers under a national security law that allowed the government to ban certain protests, prohibit certain gatherings, commandeer tow trucks to help police remove vehicles, and freeze assets being used to fund the protesters. The legislation that allowed the Canadian government to take those special steps also required a public inquiry into whether the use of the special powers was proper, which took place in late 2022.

We'd like to begin now by hearing each of you explain your perspective on this situation. Is it all right with you if we begin with (Name of Protesters) since he/she initiated the mediation? We will hear from you (Name of the City of Ottawa) when he/she is finished.

In case there are things you disagree with as he/she speaks, make note of them, and explain your perspective on them when it is your turn. (Name of Protesters), you can go ahead and begin.

At some point two weeks ago, during the public considerations, there had been a meeting where the representatives of the City of Ottawa meet with the core leaders of the Freedom Convoy movement to negotiate for them to leave the capital and remove the big rig trucks and large vehicles that blocked the downtown streets of the Canadian capital.

Is this right? Did a negotiation happen two weeks ago?

In view of the fact that we have already heard the agreements, differences, and explanations from each side's perspective on this situation.

My next two points of discussion will cover the two main topics of our negotiation.

Is that okay...

My partner will discuss the first topic.

First is the protest on Social Restrictions.

The Freedom Convoy wanted independence and to remove all social restrictions, but the federal government developed these limitations to the trucking industry and labor groups to avoid the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the country.

The City of Ottawa stated that they cannot remove all social restrictions since it is mandated by the Federal Government but proposed a temporary halt of COVID-19 restrictions while finalizing the rules and guidelines of the COVID-19 restrictions with compensation for the lost opportunity cost of genuine protesting truckers. As a payment in exchange for the removal of all protesting truckers and blockages, and assurances that trade will resume as soon as possible.

Second is the protest on COVID-19 Vaccination

The federal government implemented COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals living in the City of Ottawa such as cross-border truckers.

The Freedom Convoy refused to take COVID Vaccination because they believe in its effectiveness due to some reported death and numerous complications of the COVID-19 Vaccine. Furthermore, the freedom convoy also wanted to eliminate the requirement of a vaccine passport.

Is that right?

The City of Ottawa has proposed the removal of the vaccine passport requirement and requires PCR testing of all truckers crossing the border instead.

The other one is to provide monetary and medical support to anyone who has suffered complications due to the Covid-19 vaccine in the future.

Name of the City of Ottawa, is this correct?

Name of Freedom Convoy, do you agree with this proposal?

In return for all agreements discussed, would the Freedom Convoy agree to remove the blockages, traffic, noises, and business obstructions caused by your part and agreed to restore normal operation and accept all the proposals of the Federal Government?

Does the City of Ottawa also agree to comply with all the proposals undertaken by your team to the Freedom Convoys?

All agreements have been reached, and this case has been closed. May we request both parties sign the contracts provided at the beginning of our session?

As mediators, we were ecstatic about the successful outcome of this session.

Thank you (Names) for your time and participation.

Shake hands!