A new online resource is helping make Ontario’s human rights system easier to navigate for people facing discrimination. The Human Rights Guided Pathway is designed to reduce barriers and provide step-by-step support for individuals filing a complaint at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
This free online tool asks users simple questions and provides clear, step-by-step guidance for completing the HRTO’s Form 1 application (the official document used to file a discrimination claim under Ontario’s Human Rights Code). Using plain language and guided prompts, the tool breaks down the official form’s questions into manageable steps, helping users move through the process at their own pace, allowing users to download the document for submission to the HRTO once completed.
“We understand that many people who face discrimination lack access to legal representation, or feel intimidated and overwhelmed when trying to navigate the HRTO complaints process”, says Dr. Remi Warner, Executive Director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC). “The Human Rights Guided Pathway helps people prepare HRTO applications and assert their rights more effectively. It’s one of several HRLSC initiatives aimed at improving access to human rights justice, especially for marginalized communities.”
The tool was developed through a collaboration between the HRLSC and Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO), funded through the HRLSC’s (2025) Law Foundation of Ontario (LFO) Responsive Grant. CLEO and the HRLSC worked together to ensure the pathway accurately reflects the legal process of filing a human rights complaint, and the real-time needs of people facing discrimination who don’t have access to legal support. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand digital access-to-justice supports for Ontarians.
“Guided Pathways help break down a complicated legal process into manageable steps,” says Jess Reekie, CLEO’s Executive Director. “Tools like this help make human rights protections more accessible to the people who need them most.”
Along with the Human Rights Guided Pathway, the HRLSC has also recently launched a new Guide to asserting your rights to help individuals understand and respond to potential discrimination issues before pursuing legal remedies through the HRTO. The Centre has also expanded its early resolution and mediation services, helping people resolve matters sooner, without going through a formal hearing process at the HRTO.
Contact: media@hrlsc.on.ca
About the Human Rights Legal Support Centre:
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) provides free, accessible, legal advice and support services to individuals who have faced discrimination or harassment contrary to Ontario’s Human Rights Code. The HRLSC is an independent, board-governed agency funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General. It was established in 2008 as one of three pillars of Ontario’s human rights system. The other two pillars are the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
About Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO):
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) is a bilingual non-profit organization that develops clear, reliable, and practical legal education and information to help people understand and exercise their legal rights. CLEO’s extensive collection of free legal information resources, including Steps to Justice, the Guided Pathways and CLEO print publications, are available on its website: cleo.on.ca.