Filing a human rights complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is a significant decision. Understanding the timeline helps you plan accordingly.
The HRTO Process Timeline
- Filing deadline: 1 year from last discriminatory act
- Response from respondent: 35 days after service
- Mediation: Often offered and scheduled 4-6 months after filing. Most cases settle here.
- Hearing scheduling: If no settlement, hearings are scheduled 12-24 months after filing
- Decision: 3-6 months after hearing
- Total timeline: 18 months-3 years for a full hearing
What Affects the Timeline
- Complexity of the case
- Whether the parties attempt mediation
- HRTO caseload and availability
- Number of witnesses and hearing days required
Settlement is Common
Over 70% of HRTO cases settle before a hearing — often at the mediation stage. Early settlement reduces the timeline significantly and avoids the uncertainty of a hearing outcome.