Tribunals form part of the executive branch of government to help enact and implement policies in Canada. Traditionally, the executive branch consisted of centralized departments or ministries; however, overtime this structure became too complex in response to growing changes in society. In response, the government created quasi-judicial tribunals to enact policies and resolve disputes between individuals and government officials who made a decision that adversely impacted individual(s) or between two or more persons.
Tribunals also help to reduce the workload of the courts, provide expertise and specialization in particular areas, and distance the Government from the effects of unpopular decisions. Currently, there are over fifty tribunals in Ontario.
Atkinson LLP civil litigation lawyers have experience in representing clients before various tribunals including the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Licence Appeal Tribunal, and the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (“HRTO�?) resolves complaints from individuals, and/or persons who are in a relationship, associated, or dealing with someone who identifies as one of the grounds listed below, and feel that they have been discriminated or harassed on the basis of one of the sixteen grounds of discrimination.
Grounds of Discrimination
| • Race • Colour • Ancestry • Place of Origin • Disability • Creed • Sex |
• Sexual Orientation • Gender Identity • Gender Expression • Family Status • Marital Status |
• Age • Receipt of Public Assistance • Record of Offences |
The HRTO protects individuals from discrimination in the areas of employment, accommodation (housing), goods, services, and facilities, contracts, and membership with trade or vocational associations.
Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Canadian Human Rights Commission investigates discrimination and harassment against organizations in the federal sector, including bus and railway companies that travel between provinces, airlines, and chartered banks. The prohibited grounds for the CHRC are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.
Landlord and Tenant Board
The Landlord and Tenant Board is a tribunal governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, which deals with landlord and tenant disputes, including non-payment of rent, damage to the leased premises, and terminating residential lease agreements for claims up to $35,000. Read more about how Atkinson LLP can assist you with real estate disputes here.
Atkinson LLP is located in the heart of the financial district in downtown Toronto. Our trial lawyers are ready to assist you. To speak with a trial lawyer, call us at 647 341 1714 or email us at [email protected] for a consultation.