HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL OF ONTARIO: WHAT TO KNOW
HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL OF ONTARIO: WHAT TO KNOW
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is established by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
HOW DOES THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE OPERATE?
The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination based on the grounds below.
- Age
- Ancestry, colour, race
- Citizenship
- Ethnic origin
- Place of origin
- Creed
- Disability
- Family status
- Marital status (including single status)
- Gender identity, gender expression
- Receipt of public assistance (in housing only)
- Record of offences (in employment only)
- Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
- Sexual orientation.
WHAT AREAS ARE AFFECTED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS CODE?
The grounds above apply in any of the following areas:
- Accommodation (housing)
- Contracts
- Employment
- Goods, services and facilities
- Membership in unions, trade or professional associations.
EMPLOYMENT LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Common applications at the Human Rights Tribunal will be related to employment issues.
SHOULD I SUE OR START A CLAIM AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL?
Whether you should sue in court or start an application with the tribunal depends on a number of factors. Its important to consult with a employment lawyer.
If you have been discriminated at your place of employment with respect to any of the grounds mentioned above. You may consider the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FILE A HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT?
You have one year from the date of the incident to start an application for discrimination at the Human Rights Tribunal. If you miss the one year deadline you may still apply. If you miss the one year deadline you may still attempt to file. However, you must satisfy the Tribunal that the delay in filing was, “incurred in good faith and no substantial prejudice will result to any person affected by the delay.” This does not mean that all applications will simply be accepted after the one year mark. It also doesn’t mean that just any excuse is satisfactory.
HOW DO I FIND AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER?
If you feel you have a human rights complaint contact an Employment Lawyer. I provide legal services in Burlington and Oakville. Call me at 41650-4901
anytime for a free consultation