How to File a Human Rights Complaint in Canada

Experienced discrimination or harassment in Canada? Covers the Canadian Human Rights Commission and provincial human rights tribunals.

Find Your Path

Federally regulated employers or services

Banks, airlines, telecoms, and other federally regulated employers/services, or federal government programs.

Canadian Human Rights Commission — 1-888-214-1090 →

Ontario

Discrimination or harassment by an Ontario employer, landlord, or service provider — applications go directly to the Tribunal.

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) — 1-866-598-0322 →

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (1-800-387-9080) provides policy guidance but does not process individual complaints directly.

Other provinces & territories

Every province and territory has its own human rights commission or tribunal (e.g. BC Human Rights Tribunal, Alberta Human Rights Commission, Commission des droits de la personne in Quebec). Ask Asya below with your province and it can point you to the right one.

Legal disputes needing representation

When a complaint needs more than an authority referral — a lawyer's involvement.

ComplaintCA's Lawyer Panel connects you with vetted legal counsel.

Where ComplaintCA Fits

ComplaintCA doesn't replace the Canadian Human Rights Commission or your provincial tribunal — it helps you identify the right one and drafts a clear, factual complaint in one of 7 supported languages, so you walk in prepared.

No need to read this whole guide — Asya can ask a few questions and point you to the right body in seconds.

Start with Asya Now →

Frequently Asked

Where do I file a human rights complaint against a federal employer or service?

The Canadian Human Rights Commission, at 1-888-214-1090.

Where do I file a human rights complaint in Ontario?

Directly with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), at 1-866-598-0322.

Is there a time limit to file?

Generally 12 months (federal) or 1 year (Ontario HRTO) from the incident — file as soon as possible, as deadlines vary by province.

What is ComplaintCA?

A Canadian civic complaint platform that routes you to the correct authority, with AI-assisted drafting in 7 languages, an MP finder, a lawyer panel, and cyber crime reporting support.

I'm Deaf or hard of hearing — how do I call a phone-only authority?

Use Canada VRS (free sign-language video relay, available 24/7) or dial 711 for a text-based relay operator — both let you place a real phone call to any number listed on this page.

Sources & Verification

This guide is maintained by ComplaintCA and checked against the official sources linked throughout, including:

Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.

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