Last Updated: August 23 2026
How do I file a Human Rights Code discrimination complaint in Ontario and what can a paralegal do to help?
You can start a Human Rights Code claim in Ontario by filing an Application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, after which the Tribunal reviews the allegations and, if there is a genuine issue for adjudication, schedules a hearing where evidence and arguments are presented and an adjudicator may order remedies such as monetary compensation. If you are considering filing, Pollock Paralegal can help you understand whether your situation falls within protected grounds like services, employment, or accommodation, organize your facts and timeline, and prepare the Application so it is clear and complete, including guidance on how to avoid reprisals issues under Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19. For a quick intake and next steps, call (519) 694-0363 to discuss your options.
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Understanding Human Rights Protections
In Ontario, everyone is protected against various types of discrimination as statutorily prescribed within the Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, which forbids various concerns of discriminatory conduct within any of five (5) key protected areas which include access to services, to accommodations, to employment, to contractual relationships, and to vocational associations.
Note: Please contact Pollock Paralegal by phone at: (519) 694-0363 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
The complaint process for discrimination contrary to the Human Rights Code begins with an Application that is submitted to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario which reviews the allegations contained within the submitted complaint; and where the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario deems that a genuine issue requiring adjudication exists, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario will hold hearings whereat facts are presented by witnesses, arguments are submitted by advocates, and an adjudicator will decide whether to grant a remedy such as an Order for the payment of monetary compensation or other forms of making an amends.
In addition to protections against discrimination, the Human Rights Code also includes provisions for protection against reprisal for seeking the protections provided for by the Human Rights Code. The reprisal protection assures that those who bring complaints to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario shall be free to do so without fear of recourse including intimidation or other wrongful responsive hardships.
Generally, with some exceptions, in regards to the five (5) key areas, the Human Rights Code states:
Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability.
Human Rights Issues Include:
Protection Against Racism
Ensures proper treatment for people of all colour.
Opportunity Regardless of Age
Includes assurances for the young and old and those in-between.
Acceptance Regardless of Origin
Provides equal welcome to persons from near or far.
Embracing of Various Sexualities
Assures freedom of individual sexuality including choice of gender.
Accessibility for Disabled Persons
Reduces struggle for those with limitations.
Indifference to Personal Status
Ensures security whether married, single, with children or without.
Furthermore, the characteristics protected from discrimination are broadly defined so as to help ensure a just determination and application of the intended protections. The various protected characteristics are defined within section 10 as follows:
“age” means an age that is 18 years or more; (“âge”)
“disability” means,
(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
(d) a mental disorder, or
(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (“handicap”)
“equal” means subject to all requirements, qualifications and considerations that are not a prohibited ground of discrimination; (“égal”)
“family status” means the status of being in a parent and child relationship; (“état familial”)
“group insurance” means insurance whereby the lives or well-being or the lives and well-being of a number of persons are insured severally under a single contract between an insurer and an association or an employer or other person; (“assurance-groupe”)
“harassment” means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome; (“harcèlement”)
“marital status” means the status of being married, single, widowed, divorced or separated and includes the status of living with a person in a conjugal relationship outside marriage; (“état matrimonial”)
“record of offences” means a conviction for,
(a) an offence in respect of which a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Record Act (Canada) and has not been revoked, or
(b) an offence in respect of any provincial enactment; (“casier judiciaire”)
“services” does not include a levy, fee, tax or periodic payment imposed by law; (“services”)
“spouse” means the person to whom a person is married or with whom the person is living in a conjugal relationship outside marriage.
Learn More About Human Rights...
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NOTE: A significant quantity of inquiries featuring “lawyers near me” or “best lawyer in” typically indicate a desire for prompt, qualified legal assistance rather than a particular job title. In Ontario, certified paralegals operate under the same Law Society that governs lawyers, and they possess the authority to represent clients in specified litigation issues. Core aspects of this role include advocacy, legal reasoning, and procedural expertise. Pollock Paralegal provides legal representation within its licensed framework, focusing on strategic positioning, evidentiary preparation, and compelling advocacy designed to secure efficient and advantageous outcomes for clients.
