What happens at a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario hearing?
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) holds hearings by video conference on Zoom.
If you're not able to take part in a videoconference, you should tell the HRTO as soon as possible. You must fill out a form and explain why you need to have your or hearing in another way. For example, you might need to meet in person because of the type of you have or because you do not have good internet access.
At the hearing, you and the Respondent both present your case to a HRTO member. The HRTO member is like a judge. Your goal at the hearing is to prove to the member that the Respondent discriminated against you.
The HRTO member listens to both you and the Respondent and may ask you questions. They also listen to any witnesses. And they look at any other evidence you or the Respondent have. After listening to everyone and looking at all the evidence, the member makes a decision.
The HRTO member usually does not give a decision at the hearing. They will send you one later.
Prepare for your hearing
Before your hearing, it is helpful to learn about how hearings work. It's a good idea to watch a real hearing from another case. Most HRTO hearings are open to the public and happen on Zoom. You can call the HRTO to ask them how you can watch a hearing.
It's important to prepare for your hearing. Read this question: My case is going to a hearing at the HRTO. How do I prepare?
Ask for an interpreter or accommodation
You can ask the HRTO for accommodations if you need the HRTO to do something to remove barriers for you at the hearing. For example, you might need:
- a language interpreter
- an in-person hearing because of a disability or other reason related to your human rights
- to start late or end early because you have to take care of a child
There is no time limit to ask for an but it is helpful to ask as soon as possible.
