Filing a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario application: deadline and process
By Misbah Shajjan, Licensed Paralegal. Updated November 1, 2026.
You can file an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario if you were discriminated against or harassed because of a ground protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, in employment, housing, services, contracts or vocational associations. You must usually apply within one year of the last incident using Form 1.
Is it a human rights issue?
Unfair treatment is only a human rights issue if it is connected to a Code ground, such as disability, sex (including pregnancy), race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, record of offences (employment) or receipt of public assistance (housing).
The one-year deadline
Applications must be filed within one year of the incident, or of the last incident in a series. The Tribunal accepts late applications only if the delay was in good faith and won’t prejudice anyone.
Writing a strong application
- List each incident with a date, who was involved and what happened
- Connect each incident to the Code ground
- Say what you lost: wages, a job, housing, and the effect on you
- Say what you want the Tribunal to order
- Keep it factual and specific
Mediation and hearing
After the respondent files a response, the Tribunal offers mediation. Many cases settle there with payment and other terms. Cases that don’t settle go to a hearing before an adjudicator.
Questions
Is there a fee to file at the HRTO?
No, there is no filing fee. Our flat fee is $2,500 plus HST to draft and file your application and represent you through mediation.
Can I file anonymously?
The respondent receives your application. You can ask the Tribunal to anonymize its published decisions in some cases.
Need help with this? See our Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario service.
This guide is general information, not legal advice about your situation.