Dispute Resolution Policy

1. Policy Overview

SaskTask is committed to providing a fair, transparent, and efficient dispute resolution process. This policy applies to all disputes arising from transactions conducted through the SaskTask platform, including but not limited to:

• Quality of services provided
• Non-completion or partial completion of tasks
• Payment disputes
• Damage to property during task completion
• Conduct and behavior issues
• Cancellation and refund disagreements
• Misrepresentation of services or qualifications

2. Resolution Timeline

3. Resolution Stages

Stage 1: Direct Negotiation

Parties are encouraged to resolve disputes directly through the platform's messaging system. This maintains a record of all communications for potential escalation.

• All communications must remain professional and respectful
• Parties should clearly state their concerns and desired resolution
• Evidence (photos, messages, documentation) should be shared
• Agreements reached should be documented in writing

Stage 2: Platform Mediation

If direct negotiation fails, either party may request platform mediation:

• A SaskTask mediator is assigned within 24 hours
• Both parties submit evidence and statements
• Mediator may request additional information
• Mediator proposes resolution options
• Mediation is non-binding at this stage

Stage 3: Platform Decision

If mediation fails, SaskTask issues a binding decision:

• Based on Terms of Service, evidence, and platform policies
• Decision includes reasoning and applicable policy references
• May include full refund, partial refund, or no refund
• May include account warnings or suspensions
• Decision is binding subject to appeal rights

4. Evidence Requirements

To support your dispute, you may submit the following types of evidence:

5. Payment Dispute Procedures

5.1 Escrow Protection

When a dispute is filed, funds in escrow are frozen until resolution:

• Task Giver payment remains in secure escrow
• Task Doer payout is paused pending resolution
• No automatic releases during active disputes
• Platform fee is only charged upon final resolution

5.2 Refund Determinations

6. Saskatchewan Consumer Protection

Your rights under Saskatchewan and Canadian consumer protection laws are preserved:

6.1 Consumer Rights

• Right to fair treatment and honest disclosure
• Right to cancel within cooling-off periods where applicable
• Right to dispute unfair contract terms
• Right to pursue remedies under the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act
• Right to file complaints with Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan

6.2 External Remedies

Nothing in this policy limits your right to:

• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan
• Seek remedies through Saskatchewan's Small Claims Court (up to $30,000)
• File complaints with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
• Report criminal matters to the RCMP or local police
• Pursue civil action in the Court of Queen's Bench of Saskatchewan

7. Binding Arbitration

7.1 Arbitration Process

• Arbitration is conducted in English in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Virtual arbitration available for parties outside Saskatchewan
• Single arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement or ADR Institute of Saskatchewan
• Arbitration fees split equally unless arbitrator decides otherwise
• Decision is final and binding, enforceable as a court judgment

7.2 Class Action Waiver

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to pursue any dispute individually and not as part of a class action or representative proceeding.

7.3 Exceptions to Arbitration

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for: intellectual property infringement, unauthorized access, data security breaches, or other claims requiring immediate court intervention.

8. Contact Information