Discriminated against at work, in housing, or as a customer in Ontario? Your case goes to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). Here's what its latest numbers say about what happens after you file, and the deadline you can't miss.
The HRTO by the Numbers
| 2024–25 | Figure |
|---|---|
| Applications received | 4,536 (up from 3,687) |
| Cases closed | 5,174 |
| Active cases, March 31, 2025 | 8,446 |
| Active cases, Sept. 23, 2025 | 8,046 |
| Average time to close a case | 795 days |
| Final decisions on the merits | 75 (discrimination found in 30) |
The backlog is shrinking. The active caseload peaked at 9,700 in February 2023. But only 75 of the 5,174 cases closed last year ended in a full decision on the merits. Most cases end some other way, for example through mediation, settlement, withdrawal, or a ruling on procedure or jurisdiction. That makes how you prepare for mediation as important as preparing for a hearing.
What People File About
| Area or ground | Share of 2024–25 applications |
|---|---|
| Employment | 55% |
| Goods, services & facilities | 30% |
| Housing | 11% |
| Disability (ground) | 55% |
| Reprisal (ground) | 32% |
| Race (ground) | 31% |
Applications can name more than one area or ground, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
How to File, Step by Step
1Watch the deadline. You must file within one year of the discrimination or harassment. If it was a series of similar incidents, the year runs from the last one.
2Get free legal help. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre gives free legal help across Ontario, including with your application: 1-866-625-5179 (416-597-4900 in Toronto).
3File Form 1 (Individual Application). Send it by email to HRTO.Efile@ontario.ca, or by mail or courier.
4The respondent replies. They have 35 days to respond, and you may file a reply to any new information in their response.
5Mediation. It's typically held within 5–6 months of your application. If the HRTO directs a party to attend, attendance is mandatory.
6Hearing. If mediation doesn't resolve the case, it goes to a hearing on the merits. Both sides must disclose their documents and witnesses at least 45 days before the hearing.
Write your timeline down while it's fresh: dates, names, what was said, and who saw it. It's the backbone of an HRTO application.
Start Your Timeline With Asya →Frequently Asked
How long does an HRTO case take?
For cases closed in 2024–25, the average time was 795 days, according to Tribunals Ontario's annual report. Mediation is typically held within 5–6 months of filing.
What is the deadline to file with the HRTO?
Within one year of the discrimination or harassment. If there was a series of similar incidents, within one year of the last incident.
Is there free legal help for an HRTO application?
Yes. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre gives free legal help throughout Ontario and can help you fill out your application: 1-866-625-5179.
Where do I file a human rights complaint in Toronto?
With the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, like everywhere else in Ontario. Toronto doesn't have its own human rights body, and the Ontario Human Rights Commission doesn't process individual complaints.
Sources & Verification
Figures, rules, and contacts in this article come from official sources:
- Tribunals Ontario — 2024–25 Annual Report (HRTO tables)
- HRTO — Application and hearing process
- HRTO — Forms and filing
- Human Rights Legal Support Centre — Contact
Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.