FOR EMPLOYEES
Human Rights & Discrimination Lawyers Toronto
Facing Discrimination at Work? Speak with a Toronto Human Rights Lawyer Today
If you’ve endured unfair treatment or harassment due to protected grounds such as age, race, gender, disability, or family status, you have legal rights. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and provincial law, Greenwood Law’s Toronto human rights lawyers help employees address discrimination through tribunal applications, workplace investigations, and negotiated outcomes.
Meet Your Team
Our Toronto employment lawyers specialize in workplace discrimination and human rights claims. They combine a solid understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code with sensitive, client-focused representation. We guide you through formal complaint processes, communicate clearly about potential outcomes, and take prompt action to protect your rights and dignity.
What Is Workplace Discrimination Under Human Rights Law?
Workplace discrimination happens when an employee is treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, family or marital status, or record of offences, even if pardoned . It applies to all employment aspects, hiring, promotions, pay, workplace policies, and termination .
What Can I Do If My Human Rights Were Violated at Work?
If you’ve experienced discrimination, you can:
- File a complaint with your employer following internal policies.
- Apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). Staffed by Tribunals Ontario adjudicators, the HRTO now includes mandatory mediation in its process .
- Access remedies including compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, policy changes, reinstatement, or public interest relief .
What Is the Process for Filing a Human Rights Complaint?
The HRTO process typically includes submitting a formal application, exchanging documentation with the employer, engaging in mediation, and possibly proceeding to a hearing. Deadlines are strict, swift legal guidance helps ensure procedural compliance and stronger outcomes .
What Kind of Compensation Is Available?
Successful complaints can result in:
- Compensatory damages for emotional injury and lost wages
- Reinstatement or job offer reversals
- Policy changes or training orders for your employer
- Public interest remedies, like mandated procedures or reporting
Hear From Our Clients
Helping Clients Get Back to Work
Our employment lawyers in Toronto are ready to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
Hear From Our Clients
Helping Clients Get Back to Work
Our employment lawyers in Toronto are ready to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Chooose Greenwood Law - Toronto Employment Lawyers
Our legal team focuses on tailored strategies that reflect the unique details of your case, not cookie, cutter solutions.
Deep expertise in human rights law
We help clients navigate HRTO applications and employer complaints.
Understanding Code-protected grounds
We evaluate a wide range of discrimination claims, including less visible ones like disability and record of offences
Compassionate, strategic support
We guide you sensitively and effectively through emotionally difficult processes.
Transparent, tailored advocacy
We explain strategies and potential outcomes up front.
Human Rights & Discrimination Lawyer in Toronto Frequently Asked Questions
What conduct is considered discrimination at work?
Discrimination includes any unfair treatment, whether overt or subtle, based on protected grounds such as race, age, gender identity or record of offences. This covers biased hiring, pay disparities, wrongful termination, or failure to accommodate disabilities
Can I file without an employer policy?
Yes. You can apply directly to the HRTO, which enforces rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code even if your employer lacks formal policies.
What is "record of offences" discrimination?
Discrimination based on criminal records (unless pardoned) is prohibited under employment protections of the Code. This safeguards against unjust exclusion or bias due to past convictions .
What is a “protected ground”?
A protected ground is a personal characteristic legally safeguarded from discrimination, such as race, creed, age, sex, disability, family status, gender identity/expression, record of offences, and more .
What remedies can HRTO award?
The HRTO can award emotional or financial compensation, order reinstatement, mandate workplace policy and training changes, or impose public interest directives .
How long do HRTO complaints take?
Timelines vary. Since June 2025, mandatory mediation has sped up many cases. Straightforward matters may resolve through mediation in months, while more complex cases may require a hearing..
Speak with a Human Rights & Discrimination Lawyer in Toronto
Don’t face discrimination alone. Greenwood Law provides expert legal support to protect your human rights, restore dignity, and help you achieve meaningful remedies.
Areas We Serve
At Greenwood Law, we proudly serve clients across Ontario & throughout Canada, including:
