Human Rights Tribunal

Our Service

Human Rights Services — serving London, Southwestern Ontario.

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO): What You Need to Know

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario hears complaints about discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Code protects people from discrimination in five social areas: employment, housing, services, contracts, and membership in unions or professional associations. Discrimination is based on protected grounds including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed or religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, family status, and marital status. If you have experienced discrimination in any of these areas based on a protected ground, you may have a valid HRTO application.

Types of Human Rights Claims We Handle

We handle a wide range of human rights matters including workplace discrimination based on race, gender, disability, age, or other protected grounds. Housing discrimination such as being denied a rental unit, harassed by a landlord, or subjected to different terms based on a protected ground. Service discrimination including being denied or treated differently when accessing services, stores, restaurants, or public facilities. Employment harassment including sexual harassment, racial harassment, and hostile work environment claims. Failure to accommodate disability in the workplace or housing. Reprisal claims when someone retaliates against you for asserting your human rights.

The HRTO Process Explained

You must file your HRTO application within one year of the last incident of discrimination. The application is filed directly with the Tribunal and must include details of the discrimination, the protected ground involved, and the remedies you are seeking. After filing, the respondent has an opportunity to respond. The Tribunal may schedule a mediation to attempt resolution. If mediation fails or is not appropriate, the case proceeds to a hearing where both sides present evidence and the Tribunal makes a binding decision. The entire process typically takes 12 to 18 months from filing to hearing.

Remedies and Compensation at the HRTO

The HRTO can award several types of remedies. Monetary compensation for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect typically ranges from $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the severity and duration of the discrimination. Lost wages and benefits if you lost your job or were denied employment. Out-of-pocket expenses related to the discrimination. The Tribunal can also order non-monetary remedies such as policy changes, mandatory human rights training, reinstatement to your position, letters of reference, and public interest remedies that benefit the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact LegalAssist

Phone: 365-882-9515
Email: info@legalassist.london
Location: London, Ontario N6A 2L1
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM