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Defending your Human Rights in Ontario
The HRLSC can help you if you need legal advice or assistance with respect to a matter covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code (or the “Code”).
Be sure to complete our Decision Tree to see if you are eligible for services. If you are eligible, HRLSC can provide the following legal support services:
- Resolve a dispute involving your rights under the Human Rights Code
- File an application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
- Take your application to mediation or at a hearing before the Tribunal
- Enforce an Order of the Tribunal if the Tribunal finds that you have experienced discrimination
Helpful Tools
Sexual Harassment and Violence:
Pursuing a Claim at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
Survivors of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace and in other specific social settings (for example, in schools, at your doctor’s office, on campus) have the right to protection under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Claims of sexual harassment can be filed directly at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. If you want to pursue a claim, you can obtain free legal services from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
Steps to Justice
For legal advice outside of human rights law or Ontario’s Human Rights Code
Navigating The Ontario Human Rights System
The Ontario Human Rights System is made up of three separate agencies:
ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (OHRC)
The OHRC advances human rights in Ontario through research, education, targeted legal action and policy development.
Please note: the HRLSC — not the OHRC — takes phone calls about human rights cases.
HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE (HRLSC)
The HRLSC offers human rights legal advice and support services to anyone experiencing discrimination under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Our services may also include legal assistance in filing applications at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), and legal representation at mediations and hearings.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL OF ONTARIO (HRTO)
You can begin your case of discrimination and harassment under Ontario’s Human Rights Code by filing an application with the HRTO. The HRTO offers the opportunity to settle cases through its mediation services and conducts adjudication of cases by holding hearings.