There is a difference between closed and open mediation.
Closed Mediation maintains confidentiality of the parties. This means that the negotiations and offers made are not used as evidence in any legal proceedings between the parties. Mediators will not give any report to the court or to the lawyers of the parties. Most family mediations held in Ontario are closed mediations.
Open Mediation waives the confidentiality which means that whatever said during the mediation process can be disclosed in any legal proceedings between the parties. In an open mediation, the mediators prepare a report when the mediation comes to and. This report may be submitted to the court.