The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is holding a consultation on proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure. The proposed changes would eliminate some procedural steps that can be helpful for unrepresented people trying to enforce their human rights at the Tribunal. ISAC provided submissions opposing these changes.
ISAC agrees that the HRTO must take steps to streamline its processes and deal with its significant backlog of cases. However, the HRTO must ensure that speed and efficiency do not come at the cost of procedural fairness and access to justice, especially for unrepresented parties. With the proposed changes, the HRTO appears to be prioritizing a quick process over a fair and accessible process. We are concerned that this approach will harm the marginalized communities most in need of the protections of the Human Rights Code.
Read our full submissions here.
You can still submit your thoughts on these proposed changes until Friday, November 22. This link includes more info on the proposed changes and info on where to send your submissions.