New changes to HRTO Rules of Procedure & Practice Directions – Les nouveaux changements des règles de procédure et directives de pratique The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) announced updates to its Rules of Procedure, Practice Directions, Forms and operational processes coming into effect as of August 17, 2026. Please see our home page or Human Rights Law Updates section for details. --- Le Tribunal des droits de la personne de l’Ontario (TDPO) a annoncé des mises à jour à ses Règles de procédure, ses directives de pratique, ses formulaires et ses processus opérationnels. Les mises à jour entrent en vigueur le 17 août 2026. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter notre page d'accueil ou notre section « Mises à jour de la loi ».

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Human Rights and Contracts

Ontario’s Human Rights Code and contracts: Do you think you have been discriminated against or harassed in a situation involving a contract?

This is general information only. It is not legal advice about your situation.

Contracts are a protected area under the Code. A contract is a verbal or written agreement that is covered by the law. The Code covers all types of contracts. Anyone who is legally capable of entering into a contract has the right to do so with any other person without being discriminated against because of one of the grounds in the Code.

 

No. This is discrimination in the area of contracts on the basis of sexual orientation. Although religion is covered as “creed” under the Code, it does not mean that a person’s religious beliefs allow them to discriminate on other grounds. There are certain exemptions set out in section 18 of the Code.

 

No. This is a contract and the owner cannot refuse to sell to you because of your race or any of the other prohibited grounds under the Code.