Tribunals Ontario, and a sense of what they are.

Hi Everyone, it's Kristy from Clearly Legal.

Today, I wanted to chat about Tribunals Ontario, and to highlight the tribunals I have the most familiarity with, and that I feel are the most common. For people facing disputes related to property assessments, human rights, rental agreements, licences, or social benefits, tribunals offer a more accessible and often faster way to resolve conflicts.

Understanding what Tribunals Ontario is and how it works can save you time, money, and stress.

What is Tribunals Ontario?

Tribunals Ontario is a group of 13 independent tribunals that handle specific types of disputes. These tribunals provide a legal forum outside of the Superior and Small Claims court system. They focus on resolving issues fairly and efficiently, often with less formality and lower costs than the courts.

Each tribunal specializes in a particular area of law or public policy.

Common Tribunals You Should Know

Among the 13 tribunals, some are more commonly encountered by the public.

• Assessment Review Board (ARB)

Handles disputes about property assessments. If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect, the ARB reviews your case and decides if the assessment should be changed.

• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)

Deals with complaints about discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds such as race, gender, disability, or age. The HRTO helps uphold human rights in workplaces, housing, and services.

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

Resolves rental disputes between landlords and tenants. Issues include rent increases, eviction notices, maintenance problems, and lease disagreements.

• Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT)

Reviews decisions related to government-regulated licenses and compensation claims. This tribunal covers areas like driver’s licenses, business licences, and other regulated permits.

• Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT)

Handles appeals related to social assistance programs. If your application for financial aid is denied or reduced, the SBT reviews your case.

Let's Connect

If you want to learn how tribunal expertise can save you time and money, consider reaching out to professionals who have hands-on experience, contact me at kristy@clearlylegal.ca. My experience can save you time and money.