Thinking about a human rights claim in Ontario? The HRTO’s new easy-fill forms, step by step

For people in Ontario thinking about a human rights application, and for those who must respond. As of October 2026.

Filing a human rights application in Ontario starts with a form. For many people, opening that form was the first obstacle. On September 28, 2026, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) introduced a new easy-fill way to complete its main application and response forms.

The problem: forms that were hard to open

Tribunals Ontario says the new format was built in response to user feedback, to remove technical barriers people faced when downloading the earlier forms through their web browsers, and to reduce errors in the information parties submit.

What changed on September 28, 2026

• The forms can now be completed on a web-based easy-fill platform that guides you through each section.
• The platform saves your information at every step.
• When you finish, it prompts you to download an accessible PDF.
• You then submit that PDF to the HRTO by email, mail or courier.

The change covers three forms: Form 1 (Application), Form 1G (Application) and Form 2 (Response).

Which form is which

• Form 1: an application under section 34(1) of the Human Rights Code, made by a person who believes their rights under Part I of the Code were infringed. (HRTO, Form 1)
• Form 1G: an application made on behalf of another person under section 34(5). The Code allows a person or organization to apply for someone who could have applied themselves, and who consents. (HRTO, Form 1G)
• Form 2: the response to an application under section 34. (HRTO, Form 2)

The deadline that did not change

The new forms do not change the time limit. Under section 34(1) of the Human Rights Code, an application must be made within one year after the incident, or, if there was a series of incidents, within one year after the last incident in the series. An application on behalf of another person has the same time limit (section 34(8)).

The Tribunal can accept a later application only if it is satisfied that the delay was incurred in good faith and that no substantial prejudice will result to anyone affected by the delay (section 34(2)).

What you can do

1. Check your date. Count one year from the incident, or from the last incident in a series.
2. Choose the right form. Form 1 for your own application, Form 1G if you are applying for someone else with their consent, Form 2 if you are responding.
3. Use the easy-fill version. Complete it on the HRTO forms page, download the accessible PDF at the end, and submit it by email, mail or courier.
4. Prefer the old PDF? The notice says PDF versions of the application and response forms are still available on request from HRTO.Registrar@ontario.ca, and can be filled in electronically or printed and completed by hand.
5. Get help early. Part IV.1 of the Human Rights Code establishes the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. You can also speak with a licensed paralegal or lawyer about your situation.

The point to remember

The HRTO forms are now easier to fill in, but the one-year time limit is the same. Check your date first, choose the right form, and keep a copy of the PDF you submit.

Check the official pages before you act:

• Tribunals Ontario, HRTO operational update: a new, more user-friendly way to fill out its forms (September 28, 2026)
• HRTO, Forms and filing
• Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, section 34 (e-Laws, current to October 21, 2026)

Join the conversation

Have you used the new easy-fill forms? Was anything unclear? Share your experience or questions in the comments. Please do not post personal details, names, case numbers or documents.

This article is general information on Canadian law, as of October 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create a representative relationship. Always consult a licensed legal professional for your specific situation.