The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is continuing to explore opportunities to improve its processes to facilitate fair, just, and expeditious resolutions of the matters before it.
Following the first phase of Rule updates launched in 2025, the HRTO is proposing further updates to its Rules of Procedure to make processes simpler and easier for users to navigate for more timely access to justice.
The HRTO is inviting feedback on various proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions, which aim to improve the user experience by:
- improving the process for reviewing reconsiderations.
- adjusting timelines and clarifying processes for making submissions to Notices of Intent to Dismiss an application.
- simplifying the process for withdrawing applications by allowing withdrawal via email, copying the respondent.
- updating existing practice directions, including with respect to jurisdictional reviews, and launching a new Practice Direction on Mandatory Mediation, to better clarify the purpose and processes involved with those steps in the appeal process.
The consultation will be open from May 13 to June 5, 2026.
To review the draft Rules of Procedure and changes to existing and net new Practice Directions, see the HRTO’s consultation page on Updates to Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions.
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.
The HRTO will carefully review all feedback received to inform updates to its Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions. The HRTO remains committed to collaboration, transparency, and ongoing engagement with the public to ensure responsiveness to user and stakeholder needs.