Human Resources Legislative Update
Key Changes to the HRTO’s Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions Took Effect August 17, 2026
Date: August 19, 2026
On August 16, 2026, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) announced that it would be updating its Rules of Procedure (Rules) and Practice Directions. The HRTO also introduced two new Practice Directions and process improvements.
The updates to the Rules and Practice Directions, the two new Practice Directions and the process improvements became effective on August 17, 2026. The updated Rules and Practice Directions, including the two new Practice Directions, will apply to all to all applications filed with the HRTO, including those filed before August 17, 2026.
Rules: Updates
Rule 10: Application Withdrawal Process
Rule 10 now allows applicants to withdraw their applications by notifying the HRTO by email and copying the respondent so they too can be informed.
Rule 13: Jurisdiction Review Process
Rule 13 now requires applicants to file written submissions within 28 days of receiving a Notice of Intent to Dismiss.
It also clarifies that the HRTO can review applications for jurisdiction at any time.
See the updated Practice Direction and Frequently Asked Questions.
Rule 15: Mandatory Mediation Process
Rule 15 now clarifies the circumstances in which an application will not proceed to mandatory mediation.
See the Information Sheet on Mandatory Mediation.
Rule 26: Reconsideration Process
Rule 26 now provides that requests for reconsideration will typically be assigned to a different adjudicator than the adjudicator who made the original decision.
Rule 19A: Minor Update
Rule 19A now addresses the service of materials and aligns with the updated Practice Directions.
Practice Directions: Updates and Introductions
The HRTO also updated five Practice Directions and introduced two new ones.
Effective August 17, 2026, the following Practice Directions will be introduced or updated:
- 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 also updated 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 are available on the HRTO’s Forms and filing webpage.
Effective August 17, 2026, the HRTO will only accept the updated forms. If older forms are submitted, they will not be accepted and will be returned to the party or their representative.
If you require further information, please contact your Hicks Morley lawyer.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©