About John Stout
John Stout is a mediator, arbitrator and independent investigator practicing primarily in the Province of Ontario. His practice includes mediating and adjudicating disputes in both the private and public sectors. John is known for his practical and economical approach to resolving disputes.
John was educated at the University of Windsor where he obtained a B.A. 1989, B.A. (hons.) 1990 and LL.B. 1993. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1995. In 2006, the Law Society of Upper Canada granted him the designation of Certified Specialist (Labour Law), which he held until his retirement from the practice of law in 2008.
John has over twenty years’ experience in the adjudicative process. After his call to the Bar, John practiced law at a small boutique labour and administrative law firm. Later, he joined one of the leading labour law firms in Toronto, where he became a partner. While in private practice John appeared as counsel before administrative tribunals, arbitrators, and in the Courts on various matters involving labour relations, employment, human rights, constitutional, judicial review, pension and benefits. John was counsel of record in numerous reported decisions.
In 2008, John retired from the practice of law and embarked upon a career as a mediator and arbitrator. In a very short period of time, John has become one of the most sought after mediator/arbitrators in Ontario. John is named as a roster arbitrator in numerous collective agreements, including the College Employer Council and Ontario Public Service Employees Union (Academic Bargaining Unit); Toronto Transit Commission and Amalgamated Transit Union 113; Vale Canada and USW 6500; Bruce Power LP and the Power Workers Union; Hydro One Inc. and the Society of Energy Professionals.
John has served as an arbitrator at the Canadian Railway Office of Arbitration & Dispute Resolution. John was the arbitrator appointed by the Independent Energy System Operator, Ontario Power Authority, Power Workers Union and the Society of Energy Professionals to address all merger issues. John is also the Chief Arbitrator for all contracting out grievances between Essar Steel Algoma Inc. and United Steelworkers 2251.
John has numerous cases reported in the Labour Arbitration Cases (4th) edition as well as being noted in Leading Cases on Labour Arbitration (2nd) edition and Canadian Labour Arbitration (4th) edition (Brown & Beatty).
John is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and the Ontario Labour Management Arbitrators’ Association.
John is also a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada (non-practicing) and the Advocates Society. In addition, he is a member of the Canadian Bar Association (OBA) Labour and Employment sections, where he has served on the executive.
John is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs.