File an Employment Discrimination Complaint - London, Ontario

Labor and Employment Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In London, Ontario, people who believe they were refused hire or treated poorly in recruitment because of a protected ground can file a complaint under the provincial Human Rights framework. This guide explains where to file, the typical timeline and evidence to collect, the department that enforces employment discrimination rules, and practical steps to submit and pursue a claim locally.

When and where to file

Employment discrimination in hiring is governed by the Human Rights Code, enforced through the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). To start a legal complaint, most applicants file an application directly with the HRTO; municipal bylaw offices do not adjudicate provincial human rights claims. See the HRTO for filing details and processes Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario[1].

Collect dates, job postings, correspondence, and witness names before filing.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary enforcement and remedies for employment hiring discrimination are provided by the HRTO under the Human Rights Code. Monetary fines as criminal or bylaw-style fines for employers are not specified on the cited provincial pages; instead, the Tribunal issues orders and compensation when remedies are granted.[1][2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; the HRTO awards remedies and damages rather than fixed statutory fines.[1]
  • Escalation: the HRTO may order progressively stronger remedies on repeated or continuing discriminatory conduct; exact schedules are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: cease-and-desist orders, reinstatement or accommodation directives, changes to hiring practices, and payment of injury-to-dignity damages are possible remedies under HRTO procedures.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario accepts applications; questions and filings are handled by HRTO intake and registry. See HRTO contact and filing pages for instructions.[1]
  • Appeals and reviews: HRTO decisions can be judicially reviewed in Ontario Superior Court; procedural time limits and review mechanisms are set out under provincial tribunal rules and the Judicial Review process.
The HRTO provides remedies rather than fixed bylaw fines for employment discrimination.

Applications & Forms

To file: complete an HRTO application form (no filing fee is generally required) and submit per the Tribunal's instructions. The controlling statute is the Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19), which also contains limitation provisions; see the Code text for statutory references.[2]

What to prepare before you file

  • Document timeline: dates of job posting, interview, rejection, and any communications.
  • Evidence: copies of applications, résumés, emails, messages, job ads, and names of witnesses.
  • Deadline awareness: consult the Human Rights Code and HRTO guidance for limitation periods before filing.[2]
  • Contact HRTO or local legal clinic for intake advice before submitting official documents.[1]

How the process typically works

  • Intake and screening: HRTO reviews the application for jurisdiction and completeness.
  • Mediation and settlement: many matters are referred to mediation or settlement meetings.
  • Hearing and decision: unresolved matters proceed to a hearing where the Tribunal issues orders.
Mediation may be mandatory before a hearing is scheduled.

FAQ

Who enforces hiring discrimination claims in London?
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario enforces provincial human rights claims related to hiring across Ontario, including London.[1]
Is there a filing fee?
The HRTO indicates there is generally no filing fee for applications; check the Tribunal's current guidance for exceptions.[1]
How long do I have to file?
Limitation rules are set out in the Human Rights Code; consult the Code and HRTO guidance for specific time limits and possible extensions.[2]

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: save job ads, correspondence, and names of witnesses.
  2. Check jurisdiction: confirm the complaint falls under the Human Rights Code and HRTO jurisdiction.
  3. Complete the HRTO application: follow the Tribunal's form and submission instructions.[1]
  4. Submit promptly: file within the statutory time limit in the Human Rights Code or seek intake advice if late.
  5. Attend mediation or hearing: engage in settlement discussions; prepare witnesses and evidence if proceeding to hearing.

Key Takeaways

  • Employment hiring discrimination claims are filed with the HRTO, not municipal bylaw offices.
  • Be mindful of limitation periods and gather evidence quickly.
  • Use HRTO resources and local legal clinics for intake advice before filing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - tribunalsontario.ca/hrto
  2. [2] Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19) - ontario.ca

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data
Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.