As part of our commitment to access to justice, Tribunals Ontario is expanding access terminals to all of our constituent tribunals.
Starting November 25, any party appearing before our tribunals who does not have access to a telephone, computer and/or the internet may be accommodated in the Toronto, Hamilton, London and Ottawa hearing centres to participate in their virtual hearings.
Parties who have received a Notice of Hearing can contact the tribunal to make a request for access to the terminals at any of these hearing centres. Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the tribunal will respond to the parties with its decision to grant or deny the request. If the request is granted, the parties using the terminal will participate in their hearing electronically.
“Tribunals Ontario recognizes that some individuals experience barriers accessing technology. That’s why we are moving forward on our promise by providing terminals to all our tribunal parties. This commitment ensures everyone can fully access their hearings and our services,” said Sean Weir, Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario.
Tribunals Ontario is dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of staff, and Ontarians, and has implemented safety protocols and enhanced cleaning at all four locations. Everyone entering a hearing centre will be required to complete an on-site COVID-19 screening assessment before entry and must adhere to all safety measures inside the hearing centre including wearing a face covering. Individuals who are deemed inadmissible through the screening assessment will not be permitted entry.
Access terminals have been available for parties appearing before the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) since earlier this year. The first terminals were launched in Toronto on February 1, 2021 and were expanded to LTB hearing centers in Hamilton, London and Ottawa on June 21, 2021.
Quick Facts:
- Access terminal hearing centres:
- Hamilton: 119 King Street West
- London: 150 Dufferin Avenue, Suite 400
- Ottawa: 255 Albert Street, 4th Floor
- Toronto: 15 Grosvenor St.
- A party can bring two additional individuals into the hearing centre for the proceeding. If the party requires further support, they should ask the tribunal before the hearing; such requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Tribunals Ontario staff provide supports at the hearing centres to assist with basic technology issues or questions.
- Everyone entering the hearing centre must complete a COVID-19 screening assessment and wear a face covering inside.
- The Tribunals Ontario Practice Direction on Hearing Formats outlines Tribunals Ontario’s approach to determining the format of the hearing that will be held and how a party can request a different format.
- All selected hearing centres have undergone site assessments and all recommended safety measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of staff and tribunal participants.
Learn More:
Tribunals Ontario Accessibility and Accommodation Policy
MEDIA CONTACT
Janet Deline
Tribunals Ontario Communications
Media.TO-TDO@ontario.ca
Subscribe to Tribunals Ontario’s Latest News.