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The Human Rights System

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Ontario’s human rights system consists of three separate and independent parts:

1. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (the “OHRC”) works on the roots of discrimination in order to effect systemic change. It develops policies and provides targeted public education, monitors human rights, does research and analysis, and conducts human rights inquiries. In matters affecting the broad public interest, it may take its own cases to the Tribunal or intervene in human rights cases before the Tribunal.

Stay on this site if you want to learn more about:

  • Human rights issues in Ontario
  • Human rights education and outreach

2. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre (the “Legal Support Centre”) helps people who file applications with the Tribunal. Services may include advice, support and legal representation.

Contact the Centre if you think you have been discriminated against and want:

  • Advice about next steps
  • Help with the application process.

If you need legal help, contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre at:
Toll Free: 1-866-625-5179
TTY Toll Free: 1-866-612-8627
Website: www.hrlsc.on.ca

3. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (the “Tribunal”) decides if someone’s human rights have been violated. If you think your rights under the Code have been violated, you can file an application directly with the Tribunal. The Tribunal will decide the best way to deal with your situation. It may also decide that your rights have not been violated or that it does not have the power to deal with your case.

Contact the Tribunal if you want:

  • Information about the status of your case
  • An application guide
  • Copies of any Tribunal forms
  • Information about the Tribunal's procedures.

To file a complaint – called an application – contact the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario at:
Toll Free: 1-866-598-0322
TTY Toll Free: 1-866-607-1240
Website: www.hrto.ca