Important Changes to the HRTO’s Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions Effective June 1, 2025


May 30, 2025

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is introducing a number of changes set to be implemented by the HRTO in several phases over the course of 2025.

The Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) is here to help you navigate these changes which may impact your application.

Here are the details that have been provided by the HRTO so far:

  • The HRTO is requiring all applications that are filed after June 1, 2025 to go through a mandatory mediation process.
  • The HRTO is updating a number of its forms, and the following will not be accepted in their previous versions after June 15th: Form 1A (Application); Form 1G (Application); Form 2 (Response).
  • The HRTO is changing the Practice Direction on Scheduling of Hearings and Mediations, Rescheduling Requests, and Requests for Adjournments. 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. With this change, applicants must now use Form 10 to make this request, and Form 11 to respond with a reasoning based on factors set out in the Practice Direction. It should be noted that requests received after 14 days of a Notice of Event will become an “adjournment request”, meaning there will be additional factors and requirements before a decision can be made.  
  • The HRTO is set to release a new Practice Direction on Extension Request June 1st, which we expect will also provide guidance on when an extension request will be granted. The new direction also requires the use of Form 10 for an extension request, and Form 11 to respond within 7 days. All extension requests must include a reasoning based on factors set out in the Practice Direction.
  • The HRTO is updating 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.  

Due to significant demand, and in consideration of our existing service criteria, these changes may impact the HRLSC’s ability to provide new applicants with all the legal support services that may be requested.

Please visit the HRTO’s website for more details on these changes.

The HRLSC will be updating its website materials in the coming weeks in response to changes as they continue to be implemented by the HRTO to help keep you informed.