The Institute was incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia in March 1980. Its name was changed in March 1988 to British Columbia Arbitration and Mediation Institute.

Comprised of close to 300 arbitrators and mediators throughout the province, experienced in all professional fields, the Institute is a multifaceted organization that provides:

• A multi-level training program for ADR practitioners
• Accreditation for its members
• A referral and appointment service for users, arbitrators and mediators
• Information on ADR
• A Speakers Bureau
• In-house training programs

The Institute has a Branch on Vancouver Island and two Branches in the Interior. All members must abide by the Institute's Code of Ethics.

The Institute is a Regional affiliate of the ADR Institute of Canada Inc. of Toronto, Ontario. Check out the ADRI web site at http://www.adrcanada.ca