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ShajjanParalegal Services

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) paralegal

Shajjan Paralegal Services represents applicants and respondents at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) in discrimination and harassment cases about employment, housing and services. An application must usually be filed within one year of the last incident. We draft, file and represent you through mediation for a flat $2,500 plus HST.

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5.0 on Google from 23 reviews
  • Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, licence P20257
  • We speak English, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu and Pashto

Overview

The Ontario Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination and harassment because of grounds such as disability, sex (including pregnancy), race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status and marital status. It applies to employment, housing, services, contracts and vocational associations.

The HRTO process is written-heavy. The application has to connect each thing that happened to a Code ground, with dates. Many cases are decided by how well that first document is written. Most HRTO files go to mediation, where a fair settlement can be reached without a hearing.

Matters we handle

Employees

Discrimination, harassment, reprisal and failure to accommodate at work.

Tenants and housing applicants

Refusals to rent, harassment and accommodation in housing.

Employers and landlords

Responding to an application and resolving it at mediation.

Situations like yours

Common cases we see, and how we would approach each one. These are illustrations, not promises of a result: every case depends on its facts.

Example scenario

Fired three weeks after announcing a pregnancy

An office administrator in Markham with good reviews was dismissed three weeks after telling her manager she was pregnant. The employer called it restructuring, then hired a replacement.

How we would handle it

We would file an application on the ground of sex (pregnancy), with a timeline built from the reviews, messages and the replacement job posting, and seek lost wages and compensation for injury to dignity at mediation.

The law: An applicant only has to show that a Code ground was one factor in the decision, not the only one.

Example scenario

Racial slurs at work, and HR did nothing

A warehouse worker in Etobicoke reported a supervisor’s repeated racial slurs to HR twice. No one investigated, and the comments continued.

How we would handle it

We would file an application for harassment and the employer’s failure to investigate, using the worker’s notes, messages and witness names, and ask for compensation and a workplace investigation.

The law: Employers are responsible for harassment in their workplace and must investigate complaints. Ignoring a complaint can make the employer liable on its own.

Example scenario

Put on unpaid leave instead of modified duties

A worker in Vaughan provided a doctor’s note for modified duties after a back injury and was told there was “no light work” and sent home without pay.

How we would handle it

We would show the employer never explored accommodation options, and ask for lost wages, compensation and a return to suitable work.

The law: Employers must accommodate a disability up to the point of undue hardship and take part in the process in good faith.

Example scenario

A landlord texted: “No ODSP”

A woman in Toronto was told by text that a landlord “doesn’t rent to people on ODSP” after she asked to view an apartment.

How we would handle it

We would file an application in the housing area, using the text and the listing, and ask for compensation.

The law: In housing, the Code prohibits discrimination because a person receives public assistance.

Example scenario

A small business is served with an application

A restaurant owner in North York received an HRTO application from a former employee and didn’t know what to do with it.

How we would handle it

We would file the response before the Tribunal’s deadline, gather the employment records, and represent the business at mediation to resolve the case on reasonable terms.

The law: A respondent that doesn’t respond on time can lose the right to take part in the case.

How it works

  1. 1

    Free 15-minute case review

    We confirm the Code ground, the social area and how much time you have left.

  2. 2

    Application or response

    We draft a clear, dated account linked to the Code and file it.

  3. 3

    Disclosure

    Documents and witness information are exchanged with the other side.

  4. 4

    Mediation

    A Tribunal mediator helps both sides try to settle. Many cases end here.

  5. 5

    Hearing if needed

    If it doesn’t settle, the case goes to a hearing before an adjudicator.

What the fee includes

Key facts and deadlines

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunals Ontario)

Deadline to apply
Within 1 year of the last incident
Application form
Form 1 (respondents file Form 2)
Areas covered
Employment, housing, services, contracts and vocational associations
Common remedies
Lost wages, compensation for injury to dignity, and orders to change policies
Who can represent you
Licensed paralegals and lawyers

From our Google reviews

“Misbah Shajjan was a great help, He made the process simple, kept me informed, and truly cared about my case. Professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated highly recommend.”
Sajia H.. Google review, 2025
“Amazing service! I approached Misbah for a legal matter. He made the entire experience seamless. He is very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Farishta A.. Google review, 2025

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: questions and answers

How long do I have to file an HRTO application?

Generally within one year of the last incident of discrimination. If the incidents were a series, the year runs from the last one. Late applications are accepted only in limited cases.

How much does an HRTO paralegal cost?

One flat fee of $2,500 plus HST covers drafting and filing your application or response, disclosure, and representation at mediation. If the case goes to a hearing, we quote that separately before any work.

Can I file at the HRTO and also sue my employer?

You cannot get compensation for the same discrimination twice. Sometimes a wrongful dismissal claim in court can include a human rights claim. We help you choose the right route.

What compensation can the HRTO award?

The Tribunal can order lost wages, compensation for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect, and non-monetary remedies such as policy changes or training. Amounts depend on the facts.

Do you represent employers and landlords?

Yes. We help respondents file a response on time and resolve applications at mediation where possible.

Read the guide

Talk to a licensed paralegal about your case

Call, text or email. We’ll confirm your deadline and what the fee covers on the first call.

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