Effective August 17, 2026, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is introducing updates to its Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions along with process improvements to resolve applications more efficiently and enhance accessibility for all parties appearing before the tribunal. The updated Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions will apply to all applications filed at the HRTO, including previously filed applications.
These changes were informed by consultations conducted with stakeholders from May 13 to June 5, 2026. Stakeholder feedback helped strengthen the final Rules, Practice Directions and process changes.
Rules of Procedure
The Rule changes include:
- Simplifying the process for withdrawing applications: The HRTO is updating Rule 10 to simplify the withdrawal process. Applicants can withdraw their application(s) by emailing the HRTO and copying the respondent to inform them.
- Updated process for jurisdictional reviews: The HRTO is updating Rule 13 to require applicants to file written submissions within 28 days of receiving a Notice of Intent to Dismiss. The updated Rule 13 also clarifies that the HRTO can review applications for jurisdiction at any time. More details around jurisdictional reviews are included in the updated Practice Direction and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions.
- Clarifying the mandatory mediation process: The HRTO is updating Rule 15 to reflect circumstances in which an application will not proceed to mandatory mediation. For more information, see the Information Sheet on Mandatory Mediation.
- Improved reconsiderations process: The HRTO is updating Rule 26 to provide that requests for reconsideration will typically be assigned to a different adjudicator than the adjudicator who made the original decision.
- Minor administrative updates: Minor updates to Rule 19A to address the service of materials and to align the Rule with updated Practice Directions.
See the full changes on the HRTO’s Laws, rules and decisions webpage.
Practice Directions
The HRTO is also updating several of its Practice Directions to align with the revised Rules of Procedure and support a clearer, more streamlined process for users.
Effective August 17, 2025, the following Practice Directions will be introduced or revised:
- UPDATED Practice Direction on Communicating with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
- UPDATED Practice Direction on Reconsideration
- UPDATED Practice Direction on Case Management Conference Calls
- UPDATED Practice Direction on Summary Hearing Requests
- UPDATED Practice Direction on Jurisdiction
- NEW Practice Direction on Requests to Withdraw an Application
- NEW Practice Direction on Mandatory Mediation
In addition, minor administrative updates have been made to several other Practice Directions to remove the names of organizations that no longer exist.
Forms
The HRTO is also updating the following forms:
- Form 20: Request for Reconsideration
- Form 21: Response to a Request for Reconsideration
- Form 26: Request for Summary Hearing
The updated forms will be available on the HRTO’s Forms and filing webpage. It is important to note that, effective August 17, 2026, the HRTO will only accept the updated versions of these forms. If older forms are submitted, they will not be accepted and will be returned to the party or their representative.
Thank you for your feedback
The HRTO appreciates the participation of stakeholders who provided feedback during the consultation period. Your input helped inform these changes and contributed to the development of updated Rules, Practice Directions and processes that better meet the needs of parties appearing before the tribunal.