Complaint process
Steps in the human rights complaint process
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Look at a chart of the Tribunal’s process or read about the steps.
Make a complaint
The complaint process starts when someone makes a complaint. A person must fill out a complaint form and deliver it to the Tribunal within the time limit. More than 1,100 complaints are made each year. Learn more about making a complaint
Screening
The Tribunal reviews the complaint and decides whether or not to proceed with it. The Tribunal will check if the complaint was filed within the time limit. The Tribunal only processes complaints that contain a possible act of discrimination. Each year over 300 new complaints are rejected because they do not have this required information.
Notice
If the Tribunal decides to proceed with a complaint, it notifies the respondent.
Deferral
The Tribunal may defer a complaint if another proceeding can appropriately address the complaint. An example is a union grievance about the same situation. Learn more on how to defer a complaint
Response
The respondent responds to the complaint in writing. Learn more about responding to a complaint
Mediation
The Tribunal provides a mediator to help the parties try to resolve the complaint themselves. More than 500 complaints are resolved by settlement each year. Learn more about mediation
Disclosure
The parties exchange documents. Learn more about disclosure
Application to dismiss the complaint
The respondent may request to file an application to dismiss the complaint. Learn more about applying to dismiss a complaint. The Tribunal deals with more than 200 applications to dismiss each year. It dismisses more than 100 complaints without a hearing each year.
Hearing
The Tribunal holds a hearing. Very few complaints go to a hearing. In the last few years, an average of 40 complaints were resolved after a hearing each year. Learn about getting ready for a hearing