Discrimination has a deadline — and it's one year.
If you were treated unfairly because of who you are — at work, in housing, or getting a service — you can file a human rights complaint for free. But the clock is one year, and free legal help exists. Here's how it works.
Free. No payment to start. We'll point you to free legal help too.
In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- Ontario's Human Rights Code protects you from discrimination based on things like race, disability, sex, age, family status, creed, and gender identity — in employment, housing, and services.
- You file an application (Form 1) with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. There is no fee to file.
- You have one year from the last incident to file. Late applications are only accepted in limited situations, so don't wait.
- The Human Rights Legal Support Centre gives free legal advice and can represent you. You don't need to hire a lawyer to file.
- The unfair treatment has to be connected to a protected ground. General unfairness, on its own, isn't a human rights violation — it has to be tied to who you are.
How the process works
Check that it's tied to a protected ground
Human rights law covers discrimination linked to things like race, disability, sex, age, or family status. The first question is whether what happened connects to one of those grounds.
Note the one-year deadline
You generally have one year from the last incident to file. If it was a series of events, the clock runs from the last one. Mark the date now.
Get free help from the support centre
Contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for free advice and possible representation. They help people file and can tell you how strong your case is.
File your application (Form 1)
File Form 1 with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. There's no fee. Describe what happened, the protected ground, and what outcome you want.
Consider mediation
Most cases settle at the Tribunal's voluntary mediation, which is faster and private. Start a free PLAIN session to get organized before you file.
What to do next
- Identify the protected ground your situation connects to.
- Write down dates and details of what happened.
- Note the one-year deadline from the last incident.
- Contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for free help.
- Gather emails, messages, and any witnesses.
- File Form 1 with the Tribunal (no fee).
- Be open to voluntary mediation to resolve it faster.
- Start a free PLAIN session to prepare your complaint.
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| I have to pay to file a human rights complaint. | There's no fee to file with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. |
| I need a lawyer to file. | You don't. You can file yourself, and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre offers free advice and may represent you. |
| I have unlimited time to file. | You generally have one year from the last incident. Late applications are accepted only in limited cases, so file on time. |
| Hurt feelings aren't worth anything. | Compensation for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect is a real remedy at the Tribunal, on top of things like lost wages. |
| Any unfair treatment is a human rights violation. | Not quite. It has to be connected to a protected ground like race, disability, or sex — not just general unfairness. |
| I should sue my employer in court for discrimination instead. | Discrimination claims usually go through the Human Rights Tribunal, not a standalone court case. Get advice on the right path for your situation. |
| My employer doesn't have to accommodate my disability. | They do — up to the point of undue hardship. Failing to accommodate can itself be discrimination. |
| Filing will definitely mean a long public hearing. | Most cases resolve at voluntary mediation, which is private and much faster than a full hearing. |
Last reviewed June 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with the Ministry of Labour or a licensed professional.
Free. No payment to start. We'll point you to free legal help too.