May 13, 2026
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is consulting on proposed updates to its Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions to streamline processes, improve accessibility and resolve applications more efficiently for parties. For more information, see the HRTO’s Operational Update.
Consultations
Learn more about consultations with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
Updates to Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions
May 13, 2026
Rules of Procedure
The HRTO is proposing updates to its Rules of Procedure to make its processes simpler and easier for users to navigate, while enabling more timely access to justice.
Simplifying the process for withdrawing applications
The HRTO is proposing an updated Rule 10 to simplify the process for withdrawing applications. Under the proposed changes, applicants will be able to withdraw their application(s) by emailing the HRTO and simply copying the respondent to inform them.
Updated process for Notices of Intent to Dismiss
Additionally, the HRTO is proposing an updated Rule 13 to align to current practice, whereby applicants will be required to file a written submission within 28 days of receiving a Notice of Intent to Dismiss (NOID) instead of 30 days. The updated rule will also clarify that the HRTO can review applications for jurisdiction at any time, if it appears that part or all of an application is outside the jurisdiction of the HRTO.
Clarifying the mediation process
The HRTO is also proposing an update to Rule 15 to reflect circumstances where an application will not proceed to a mediation (e.g., if the file is outside of the HRTO’s jurisdiction or routed to a preliminary or summary hearing).
Improved reconsiderations process
As well, the HRTO is proposing an updated Rule 26 , whereby reconsiderations will typically be assigned to a different adjudicator than the adjudicator who made the original decision and clarify the applicable timelines.
Minor administrative updates
The HRTO is also proposing minor updates to Rule 19A regarding the service of materials, and updates to Rule 1.4 and Rule 12.5 to remove the definition of “case conference” and align with the changes to the existing Practice Direction on Case Management Conference Calls.
See the full draft of the proposed changes below:
Upon request to the HRTO.Registrar@ontario.ca an expanded red-line version of the proposed changes to the Rules of Procedure can be provided.
Practice Directions
The HRTO is also planning changes to the Practice Direction on Communicating with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario , Practice Direction on Reconsideration , Practice Direction on Jurisdiction , Practice Direction on Case Management Conference Calls , Practice Direction on Summary Hearing Requests , as well as a new Practice Direction on Requests to Withdraw an Application and a new Practice Direction on Mandatory Mediation.
In addition, the HRTO is updating the Practice Direction on Jurisdiction to align with directions recently provided by the Divisional Court in Bokhari v. Top Medical Transportation Services, 2026 ONSC 1073.
The updated Practice Directions will align them with the proposed Rule changes and current processes. The new Practice Direction on Mandatory Mediation is also being introduced to clarify the purpose and processes involved with mandatory mediation.
See the full draft of the proposed changes below:
Feedback
Individuals and stakeholders can submit their feedback in writing via email to HRTO.registrar@ontario.ca. Please include “HRTO Consultation” in the subject line of your email.
The consultation will be open from May 13 to June 5, 2026.