TO: News Release
Tribunals Ontario Implementing Digital-First Services for Ontarians

Building on the digital services implemented during the pandemic, Tribunals Ontario is pursuing a digital-first approach to meet the diverse needs of Ontarians and enhance the quality of dispute resolution services.

To protect the health and safety of Ontarians and increase access to justice, Tribunals Ontario is:

• Conducting video, telephone, and written hearings where feasible;
• Enhancing the website to serve as one-window into all boards and tribunals;
• Encouraging Ontarians to use email if possible, to communicate with the tribunals;
• Developing an online payment portal to enable clients to make payments more easily; and
• Providing access to online services such as electronic filing of applications and documents to deliver efficient and effective services.

“It’s important that the services we provide are accessible, efficient and effectively meet the needs of the thousands of people who access our tribunals,” said Sean Weir, Executive Chair at Tribunals Ontario. “That’s why we are prioritizing our digital transformation and continuing to innovate and modernize our services.”

Tribunals Ontario is also working to safely accommodate limited in-person proceedings later this fall. Accommodation requests and very complex matters may be scheduled for in-person proceedings on a case-by-case basis. These proceedings will adhere to strict health and safety measures to protect staff, adjudicators and Ontarians.

Three hearing centres have undergone site assessments conducted by the Public Services Health and Safety Association to identify existing safety measures that are already in place as well as those that should be implemented to ensure the safety of staff, adjudicators and tribunal participants. These include the installation of plexiglass barriers, posting of signage to indicate physical distancing requirements and maximum capacity limits, floor markings, etc. More details about safety protocols at each location will be provided later this fall. Front counter services will remain closed at all locations until further notice.

“While we continue to implement a digital-first approach, we will ensure people have access to justice when they need accommodation, and our top priority will be to protect the health and safety of staff, adjudicators and Ontarians.” said Sean Weir.

Tribunals Ontario will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and will update our practices and procedures based on advice from the Ministry of Health, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and public health officials.

Quick Facts

The following locations will prepare for limited in-person proceedings this fall:

• 15 Grosvenor Street, Toronto, Ontario
• 150 Dufferin Avenue, Suite 400, London, Ontario
• 255 Albert Street, 4th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario