4. Go to your mediation
Use this tool to compare your legal options if you've been discriminated against.
Question and answer
What happens at mediation at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario?The Human Rights of Ontario (HRTO) holds mediations by video conference on Zoom.
If you're not able to take part in a videoconference, tell the HRTO as soon as possible. You must fill out a form and explain why you need to have your 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.
Most mediations take about 4 hours.
You can ask for a break at any time during the mediation.
To start the mediation, the HRTO member explains the mediation process. You can ask questions.
The HRTO member gives you and the Respondent a chance to privately explain your side of the case. You can explain the facts and also say what result you want. You can show the HRTO member any documents or evidence you have. You should not bring witnesses to your mediation, but you can tell the HRTO member about any witnesses you know about.
After hearing both sides, the HRTO member sometimes gives you their opinion on how strong they think your case is. HRTO members are experienced in human rights cases. You should think carefully about any opinions they give you.
They may also give you an idea of what kind of result you might get at a hearing, or what they think the Respondent may agree to.
But in the end it’s always your decision whether you want to agree to a settlement at the mediation.
During the mediation you may learn things from the Respondent that may make you change your mind about certain things. You may learn more about the reason behind a particular policy, or about any unsuccessful efforts they took to accommodate you. You may also find out that they’re willing to give you something you did not think about. For example, money, a promotion at work, a new apartment, that you now think you may want. Be ready to change what you’re asking for during mediation.
Confidential
Everything that is said at your mediation is confidential. This means that if your case goes to a hearing, the things said during mediation cannot be used as evidence in the hearing.
You, the Respondent, and the HRTO member in charge of your mediation cannot tell anyone else what was said during your mediation. You will have another HRTO member at your hearing.