Application for discrimination by a business or public service.
An application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario must usually be filed within one year of the last incident; after that, timing depends on the Tribunal and is confirmed in writing before work starts. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
Reviewing what happened and whether it may connect to a ground and a social area under Ontario's Human Rights Code
Checking the one-year deadline and the right place to file
Drafting the application (usually Form 1) with a clear timeline, the facts and the remedies you are asking for
Organizing your documents, witness list and disclosure
Representing you at mediation or the hearing, where your service includes it
Explaining settlement options and the next steps after each Tribunal decision
What is not included
Judicial review in the Divisional Court, which only a lawyer may handle
Hearing attendance when the service is for documents only
Claims in court or at other tribunals, unless agreed in writing
Disbursements such as transcripts, translations and courier costs
Who this service is for
Employees treated unfairly at work because of disability, age, race, sex, creed, family status or another Code ground
Tenants and home seekers facing discrimination in housing
Customers treated unfairly by a business or service provider
Employers, landlords and businesses answering a human rights application
Information to have ready
1A dated timeline of what happened
2Names and roles of the people involved and any witnesses
3Emails, texts, letters, policies and other documents
4Medical or other notes about accommodation needs, if they apply
5Any letters or decisions from the Tribunal
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is $1,250 plus 13% HST ($1,412.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?+
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Do I file with the Ontario Human Rights Commission?+
No. In Ontario, applications go directly to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario; the Ontario Human Rights Commission does not take individual complaints.
What are grounds and social areas?+
The Code protects against discrimination based on listed grounds, such as disability, age, creed, race, sex and family status, in social areas such as employment, housing, services, contracts and vocational associations. A claim usually needs a link between the treatment and a ground.
Can I be punished for filing?+
Reprisal or a threat of reprisal for claiming or enforcing a Code right is itself prohibited and can be raised at the Tribunal.
What can the Tribunal order?+
The Tribunal may order money for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect, lost wages, and steps such as policy changes or training, depending on the evidence.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No outcome can be guaranteed; the Tribunal decides
The one-year deadline must be met, and late applications are accepted only in limited cases
Settling or pursuing another remedy may affect your application