How are fees handled for disputes submitted to mediation?

The full explanation

Parties must pay a registration fee when submitting a rental dispute to the Mediation and Conciliation Directorate, consistent with standard RDSC claim fees. However, the law provides a financial incentive for settlement: one-half of the fee is refunded to the applicant if an amicable settlement is successfully reached. This policy encourages parties to engage in good-faith negotiations to resolve their differences outside of the more adversarial First Instance Division, supporting the Centre's goal of efficient dispute resolution.