The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is an administrative body that adjudicates matters in which a person or corporation is alleged to have violated the Ontario Human Rights Code. They aim to protect the rights of people to be free from discrimination based on a number of factors including gender, race, age, and sexual orientation, among others. The HRTO’s mandate also promotes alternative dispute resolution, with the goal that parties come to mutually agreeable terms without having to proceed to a lengthy, and potentially costly, adversarial hearing. Historically, the HRTO encouraged the use of voluntary mediation services in order to facilitate this goal. The parties that took advantage of mediation were often able to resolve the matter amicably, without incurring substantial legal fees, time off work, or stress.
As such, the HRTO has announced that as of June 1, 2025, mandatory mediation will be standard practice for all applications before a hearing commences at the Tribunal. An HRTO mediator will hear the arguments of all parties, as well as review evidence in support, but will not adjudicate on a matter. Instead, the mediator will try to work with the parties in an attempt to reach a conclusion that the parties can agree on. By engaging this cost-effective, efficient method of dispute resolution, the HRTO aims to save applicants and respondents the time, money, and stress of a full HRTO hearing. While a party may request an exemption from mandatory mediation, it will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Mediation is a powerful and efficient tool in dispute resolution. If you’re wondering how mediation may be able to save you time, money, and stress in your current dispute, reach out to Resolv’d today to get in touch with one of our mediation experts.
– Jim Ruddy & Josh Valler
