Maurice G. Smith
Hon. Maurice G. Smith, QC, E.C.N.S., W.F.A.
Mediator / Arbitrator
Specializations
- Workplace Mediation
- Family Mediation
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Workplace Mediation
Most of Maurice Smith’s legal career (1973-2009) was spent with the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission. During that time he was appointed a senior counsel which is the highest ranking of lawyers practicing with the Commission. He was also appointed the managing lawyer of two of the NSLA offices.
Maurice’s time with NSLA gave him the opportunity to hone his HR management skills. As office manager he was required to handle and settle any conflicts which arose between support staff and also between junior counsel. He knows well how workplace issues arise and how best to handle them to maintain a positive working environment. Mediation of workplace conflicts was an ongoing part of his duties.
Family Mediation
As a practicing lawyer for over 35 years Maurice negotiated hundreds of agreements between disputing couples, many of which were resolved via negotiations carried on outside the framework of formal court proceedings. Although as a lawyer, he didn’t refer to himself as a mediator, that is exactly what he was doing!
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Working as a lawyer with the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, Maurice negotiated hundreds of plea bargains. That is deep experience in the art of negotiation.
Maurice was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature as MLA for Antigonish in October 2009. In May 2012 he was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Minister of Gaelic Affairs and Minister in charge of the Insurance Act.
Being a Minister of the Crown requires the ability to mediate disputing claims and keep all sides happy. Trying to placate 51 MLA’s makes one an instant negotiator. Caucus and Cabinet disputes are settled by consensus which often requires arbitration, negotiation and mediation.
Mediation Training and Affiliations
- Certificate in Dispute Resolution, York University
- Certified Workplace Fairness Analyst (W.F.A.), Workplace Fairness Institute
- Member, ADR Institute, Atlantic
- Member, ADR Institute, Canada.
Maurice holds a B.A. from St. Francis Xavier University and an LL.B. from Dalhousie University.
Please feel free to contact Maurice Smith at:
902.338.0304 (cell)
902.863.2786 (home)
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