5. Learn what happens after mediation
Question and answer
What happens at mediation at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario?If mediation works
If you both agree on what the result should be, then you must sign two documents:
- a settlement agreement
- a Confirmation of Settlement form (Form 25)
Settlement agreement
A settlement agreement is a document that describes how both sides have decided to resolve their issues. Most settlement agreements are private or confidential. This means that, in most cases, you cannot tell anyone else about the details you agreed to in the settlement. You may only be able to say that you signed an agreement. You can ask for permission to only share details with your immediate family.
Most settlements also include an agreement that your case is closed and that you will not start any other legal cases about this situation.
Confirmation of settlement form
A Confirmation of Settlement form (Form 25) is a document that tells the (HRTO) that you and the Respondent have resolved your issues in .
You or the Respondent must fill in and send the form to the HRTO within 14 days of signing your settlement agreement. You can email it to the HRTO at: HRTO.Registrar@ontario.ca.
After the HRTO gets the form, they will send you and the Respondent a letter confirming you have resolved your issues. And they will close your .
If mediation does not work
More than 70% of mediations result in a settlement. But you do not have to agree to a settlement. You should not sign a settlement agreement that you do not agree with. You always have a right to a hearing. Remember if you sign an agreement you cannot change your mind later.
If you do not agree on a settlement, the HRTO sets a date for a hearing. Sometimes, just before the hearing begins, you are given one final chance to mediate again, but not always.