What is the deadline to file?

Generally one year from the last incident of discrimination. Late applications are accepted only in limited circumstances, so this is the first thing to check.

Do I go through a commission first?

No. In Ontario you apply directly to the HRTO. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has a separate systemic mandate and does not process individual complaints.

What are the protected grounds?

The Code lists grounds including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital and family status, disability, and receipt of public assistance in housing.

Can I claim at the HRTO and sue as well?

Generally you must choose — pursuing the same discrimination in a civil action and at the HRTO simultaneously is restricted. Get advice before filing either.

Yes. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre assists applicants in Ontario at no cost.

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) — Discrimination Applications

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)

The HRTO decides discrimination and harassment applications under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Unlike Quebec, you apply directly to the tribunal — no commission screens your case first. The filing deadline is generally one year from the last incident, which is far shorter than ordinary civil limitation periods and is the most common reason claims fail.

What it does

Decides applications alleging discrimination under the Code
Orders monetary compensation and public-interest remedies
Offers mediation before hearings

Matters it hears

Discrimination in employment, housing, services and contracts
Failure to accommodate disability, family status or creed
Harassment on a protected ground
Sexual harassment and reprisal

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Divisional Court (Ontario).

HRTO decisions are final; recourse is a request for reconsideration or judicial review in the Divisional Court on limited grounds.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file?: Generally one year from the last incident of discrimination. Late applications are accepted only in limited circumstances, so this is the first thing to check.
Do I go through a commission first?: No. In Ontario you apply directly to the HRTO. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has a separate systemic mandate and does not process individual complaints.
What are the protected grounds?: The Code lists grounds including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital and family status, disability, and receipt of public assistance in housing.
Can I claim at the HRTO and sue as well?: Generally you must choose — pursuing the same discrimination in a civil action and at the HRTO simultaneously is restricted. Get advice before filing either.
Is there free help?: Yes. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre assists applicants in Ontario at no cost.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.