About Us

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From Conflict to Cooperation and Success

At Duursema Dispute Resolutions (DDR), we are dedicated to providing expert arbitration, mediation, and negotiation facilitation services to individuals and businesses across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Based in Calgary, Alberta, DDR is committed to helping you navigate disputes effectively and achieve lasting resolutions, both online and in person. We also offer comprehensive contract drafting and negotiation training designed to empower your contract, project, and sales teams.

The DDR Difference

Our distinct advantage lies in a deep understanding of the intricacies of contract creation and management. Unlike firms that primarily focus on interpreting existing agreements, DDR's expertise is built on years of experience in developing contractual frameworks from the ground up – from simple agreements to multi-million dollar Master Service Agreements. This foundational knowledge allows unparalleled insight into the origins of contract disputes and the most effective strategies for resolution.

Focus Areas

Contract Dispute Resolution - Arbitration & Mediation

Workplace Mediation

Negotiation Facilitation

Contract Drafting & Negotiation Training



Credentials & Education

LLB, University of Stellenbosch

Advanced Practitioner - Contract & Commercial Management (CCMAP), World Commerce and Contracting Association

Negotiation Masterclass, World Commerce and Contracting Association

CPI Verbal Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute

Business Sustainability Management (certificate), University of Cambridge

Oxford Entrepreneurship: Venture Finance (certificate), Saïd School of Business, Oxford University

Speaking Engagements & Presentations

Panelist, 2023 World Commerce & Contracting Americas Summit on "Navigating Complex Contract and Commercial Management Challenges in Mega Projects."

Co-presenter, 2024 webinar for World Commerce & Contracting on "Reclaiming our future: strategies for climate resilience and restoration."

Professional Associations

World Commerce and Contract Association

Joánri Duursema  CCMAP

Principal Consultant

Lead Arbitrator & Mediator



My favourite thing is an intriguing question – something that makes you think and teaches you as you work to answer it.

Professionally, I've always been driven by a simple, yet crucial, set of questions in contracting: “Do you agree? Do I agree? Do we agree on the same thing?” It's the journey to that shared understanding that I find most compelling.

For over a decade, I've been immersed in the diverse world of contracting, navigating complex agreements across technology (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, machine learning), energy, mining, sales, construction, and finance. My experience spans everything from foundational daily contracts to complex, multi-year master agreements exceeding a billion dollars. This deep, hands-on involvement gives me a unique insight into the core of agreements and where challenges often arise.

Now I bring this practical experience to help individuals and businesses navigate conflict. Whether it's a complex contract dispute, a workplace challenge, or a crucial negotiation, my aim is to provide clear guidance and facilitate effective, sustainable solutions. I believe in understanding the heart of the matter and creating a space where everyone can find their path forward.

Ultimately, my goal is to help you move beyond conflict and achieve clarity and success.