Changes to HRTO Rules of Procedure & Practice Directions - Changements des règles de procédure et directives de pratique

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) has announced changes to its Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions coming into effect June 1st 2025. See our home page for details. -- À compter du 1er juin 2025, le Tribunal des droits de la personne de l'Ontario (TDPO) annonce des changements aux règles de procédure et aux directives de pratique. Pour plus de détails, veuillez consulter notre page principale.

HRLSC Logo Home
Accessibility
Popular Topics:

June 1, 2025, updates at the HRTO related to procedural changes, including mandatory mediation

On this page:

What changes have the HRTO announced?

  • The HRTO is requiring all applications that are filed after June 1, 2025, to go through a mandatory mediation process.
  • The HRTO has updated a number of its forms, and the following will not be accepted in their previous versions after June 15th: Form 1 (Application); Form 1G (Application on behalf of another person); Form 2 (Response).
  • The HRTO has changed the process for rescheduling and adjourning mediations, hearings, and other adjudicated events.  Previously, applicants could request a meeting scheduled by the HRTO to be rescheduled or adjourned simply by sending an email to the Registrar and named parties. Applicants must now use a Form 10 to make this request and should follow the guidelines set out in the associated  Practice Direction. It should be noted that requests received after 14 days of the notice of mediation, hearing, etc., will become an “adjournment request”, meaning there will be additional factors considered before a decision can be made.  
  • The HRTO released a new Practice Direction on Extension Requests on June 1st. The new Practice Direction requires the use of a Form 10 for an extension request and sets out factors the HRTO may consider in determining whether to grant the extension.
  • The HRTO updated the rule respecting filing documents by fax or in-person to reflect the HRTO’s current practices, in effect since March 2020, that documents may not be faxed or filed in person at the HRTO.

Back to top

I’m thinking of filing an application with the HRTO after June 1, 2025.  What do I need to know?

If you have been using fax to communicate or share documents with the HRTO, you will need to instead communicate with them by email, mail or courier. We have updated the following How-to Guides to support anyone thinking of filing an application:

We have also created a new guide to explain requesting an extension.

After June 15, 2025, you will need to use one of the new, updated HRTO Forms (Form 1 or Form 1G) found on the HRTO’s website here to file an application at the HRTO.

The older version of Forms 1 and 1G will no longer be accepted by the HRTO.

Back to top

Can the HRLSC still help me with my case?

These changes may impact the demand for HRLSC services and, in turn, the HRLSC’s ability to provide applicants with all the legal support services requested.

The HRLSC can still provide you with advice and information through its Intake Line.

More in-depth services, including representation, may also be available subject to the HRLSC’s service criteria and resources.  

To help you learn about whether your case is connected to the Human Rights Code we encourage you to complete our questionnaire. We also encourage you to read about our eligibility criteria.

You may wish to use our Client Portal to complete an online intake. A Human Rights Advisor will contact you after you submit your intake.

The HRLSC also has How-to Guides that we will be updating to include the recent changes to HRTO procedures. We will share those updates as they become available.

Back to top

Where can I find more information about these changes at the HRTO?

For additional information on these changes, please see the HRTO’s website.

Back to top

What HRLSC resources can I review to help me understand mediation at the HRTO?

Visit our Preparing of Mediation guide on our website. This guide walks you through what a mediation is, how it works (including rescheduling), how to prepare for it (including a “best case” and “worst case settlement”), and requesting accommodations and translations. The guide also can tell you what to expect if mediation is not successful.

Back to top

Can I represent myself at a mediation? (more information available in Preparing for Mediation guide)

Yes. Mediation at the Tribunal has been designed for people who do not have a lawyer. Many applicants participating in mediation at the Tribunal are “self-represented,” meaning they do not have a lawyer or paralegal representing them.

You may also choose to be represented by someone without a legal license, such as a friend, family member or legal clinic employee/volunteer, subject to the licensing exemptions established by the Law Society of Ontario.

For more information, please also see the HRTO’s Practice Direction on Representation.

Back to top

What other legal help may be available? (more information available in Choosing a legal forum guide)

Other possible sources for legal help include:

  • JusticeNet, a program for people with low or moderate incomes. It connects people with lawyers and paralegals who charge lower legal fees. You can go to their website or call them at 1-866-919-3219 to get names of lawyers or paralegals in your area.
    • Community legal clinics across Ontario provide free legal services to people with low incomes. At these clinics, lawyers, community legal workers, and law students help people navigate which legal forum to choose. To get help from a clinic, you must live in the area the clinic serves. The first step is to find your local clinic, or call Legal Aid Ontario’s hotline.
    • The Workers’ Health & Safety Legal Clinic helps non-unionized people who are having health and safety problems at work. If you are a unionized employee, you can contact your local steward or bargaining unit representative for help.

You can continue to call the HRLSC for legal assistance leading up to your mediation and speak to one of our Intake members.

Learn more about our eligibility for legal support services here.

Back to top

Can I bring someone with me for support? (more information available in Preparing for Mediation guide)

Whether or not you have a lawyer or paralegal, you may bring a family member, friend or anyone else for personal support.

More information is also available under the HRTO’s Practice Direction on Representation.

Back to top

What should I do if I need to reschedule my mediation or hearing?

Learn more through our guide on rescheduling and adjourning here.

Back to top

What happens if mediation fails?

Our services are provided on a stage-by-stage basis. The HRLSC may be able to assist you after your mediation, subject to our service criteria and available resources.

Learn more about our eligibility criteria for legal support services here.

Learn more about the steps after mediation on our Preparing for Mediation guide:

Back to top