Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Individuals who believe their human rights under Ontario’s Human Rights Code have been breached have the right to file a human rights application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). The HRTO resolves claims of discrimination and harassment brought under the Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) develops public policy on human rights, conducts public inquiries, and intervenes in proceedings at the HRTO. The protected grounds under Ontario’s Human Rights Code are age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status (including single status), gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance (in housing only), record of offences (in employment only), sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and related grounds. The protected social areas are accommodation (housing), contracts, employment, goods, services and facilities, and membership in unions, trade or professional associations.

Effective advocacy before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario requires experience and a thorough understanding of the Tribunal’s procedures, processes, and case law. It also requires working effectively with tribunal adjudicators, and mediators who are specialized. Clients appearing before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario have a right to fairness which involves some degree of input in decision-making and the right to an impartial and independent decision maker. The importance of achieving success at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario cannot be overstated as the opportunity to have a HRTO decision reversed by a court is typically limited.

We regularly act for businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in matters before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and other administrative and regulatory bodies including tribunals, agencies, boards, commissions, self-governing professions, municipalities, health and educational institutions.

The legal team at James Lawyers offers its clients human rights experience and expertise that is second to none.

We invite you to contact one of our experienced human rights lawyers today.