5. Learn more about making a human rights claim

You might think your employer discriminated against you because they did not accommodate your need to care for your relative. If this happens, you can apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

It's important to understand the steps in making a claim at the Tribunal.

You can also learn more about starting a claim in Completing and Filing an HRTO Application.

What the Tribunal can do

If the Tribunal decides that your employer discriminated against you, there are things they can order your employer to do.

For example, the Tribunal can order your employer to:

• pay you money
• give you the accommodation you need
• change their rules so they follow human rights laws

The Tribunal does not usually order your employer to give you back your job.

You can ask for money to cover costs you had because of what your employer did.

You can also ask for money because of how your employer's actions affected you. When an employer does not respect your human rights, this can hurt you.

The Tribunal can order your employer to pay you money for the hurt they caused you. You do not have to show that what your employer did cost you money.

What to say in your application

In your application, say:

• what happened
• why you think your employer's decision is against your human rights

Time limits

The deadline to apply to the Tribunal is one year from the date you were discriminated against.

If you miss the deadline, you can still apply. But in your application, you need to explain why you're late.

You must have a good reason for being late. For example, the relative you were caring for was in the hospital. The Tribunal might let you apply late. But they rarely do this.

Learn more about starting a claim at the Tribunal in Completing and Filing an HRTO Application.