London, Ontario: Who Investigates Discrimination Complaints

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario residents and employees who believe they faced discrimination have several official routes to seek investigation and remedies. Municipal staff and services, provincial human-rights mechanisms, and police each play distinct roles depending on the nature and location of the alleged conduct. This guide explains which offices investigate complaints, how to file, expected outcomes, and practical next steps to resolve or escalate a claim in London, Ontario.

Who investigates discrimination complaints

The primary provincial route for discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code is the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). For matters involving city services, workplace issues with City of London employees, or complaints about municipal programs, contact the City of London Human Rights and Equity office or the relevant municipal department first for intake and internal review. For incidents involving possible criminal hate-motivated conduct, the London Police Service investigates. For provincial remedies and formal adjudication under the Code, the HRTO handles applications and orders. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario[1] City of London Human Rights & Equity[2] Ontario Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19)[3]

Start with the City office if the issue involves municipal staff, services, or programs.

Where to file and typical pathways

  • Contact the City of London Human Rights and Equity office for municipal service or employee complaints.
  • File an application with the HRTO for an adjudicated decision under the Ontario Human Rights Code.[1]
  • Report criminal or hate-motivated incidents to the London Police Service for investigation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies depend on the forum. The HRTO may order remedies for Code violations; municipal internal processes can impose employment or service-level consequences; police can lay criminal charges where applicable. Specific monetary fine amounts for municipal discrimination are not listed on the cited city pages and are generally not the primary municipal enforcement mechanism; the HRTO provides remedies rather than fixed municipal fines, and monetary amounts are determined case by case or via orders.

HRTO remedies can include orders and monetary compensation rather than fixed statutory fines per offence.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, internal municipal review; then HRTO application; repeat/continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop discriminatory practices, reinstatement, accommodation measures, policy changes, training requirements; specific orders depend on the tribunal or employer.
  • Enforcers: HRTO for Code matters, City of London Human Rights and Equity for municipal service or employment matters, and London Police Service for criminal hate incidents.
  • Inspection/compliance: municipal departments conduct internal reviews; HRTO monitors compliance with orders through the tribunal process.
  • Appeal/review: HRTO decisions may be subject to court review or appeal mechanisms; specific time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: defenses such as bona fide occupational requirements, accommodation limits, or other statutory defences may apply depending on the instrument and facts; availability and scope depend on the forum and are case specific.

Applications & Forms

The HRTO provides online information and application processes to file an application for a human-rights remedy; the specific form name, filing fee (if any), and submission steps are detailed on the HRTO site and by municipal intake pages. If no municipal form is required, the City page indicates internal complaint intake procedures. For exact form names, fees, and submission methods, consult the HRTO and City intake pages cited above.[1][2]

How-To

  1. Gather documentation: dates, witnesses, correspondence, and any evidence of the discriminatory act.
  2. Contact the City of London Human Rights and Equity office if the matter involves city staff, services, or premises to request intake or an internal review.
  3. Consider filing an application with the HRTO for formal adjudication under the Ontario Human Rights Code; follow the HRTO application guidance and forms.[1]
  4. If the incident appears criminal or hate-motivated, report to the London Police Service for investigation.
  5. Keep records of all steps, and ask about timelines and appeal routes at each intake point.

FAQ

Who can file a discrimination complaint?
Any person who believes they experienced discrimination in areas covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code or in dealings with municipal services can file with the HRTO or contact the City of London Human Rights and Equity office.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No, individuals may file an HRTO application without a lawyer; legal counsel can help with complex matters or hearings.
Are there deadlines to file?
Specific limitation periods and filing deadlines should be confirmed on the HRTO and City intake pages; if not shown, consult the cited pages or seek advice promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the City Human Rights & Equity office for municipal matters.
  • Use the HRTO for formal human-rights remedies under provincial law.
  • Report criminal or hate-motivated incidents to London Police Service.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
  2. [2] City of London — Human Rights & Equity
  3. [3] Ontario Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19)

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