Responding to a Request to Expedite Proceedings (English / French)

Understanding the Purpose of Form 15: Response to a Request to Expedite Proceedings – Rule 21

In the context of human rights disputes handled by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), parties involved in a case may request to accelerate the proceedings under Rule 21. When you receive such a request, you are required to respond by completing and submitting Form 15, titled Response to a Request to Expedite Proceedings. This form is a crucial step in ensuring that the Tribunal considers your position regarding the request to speed up the process.

Why Fill Out Form 15?

The primary objective of Form 15 is to provide the Tribunal with your response to an application to expedite a case. This response allows you to articulate your position—whether you agree or oppose the request—and to outline any relevant information that might influence the Tribunal’s decision. The form ensures that all parties’ perspectives are formally documented and considered during the Tribunal’s review process.

Preparing Your Response Effectively

To prepare a comprehensive response, you should:

• Complete all sections of the form accurately, including your contact information and your stance on the request to expedite.
• Explain your position clearly in the designated section, providing relevant facts or concerns that support your view.
• Indicate whether you agree to participate in mediation, which is an optional process aimed at resolving the dispute without a formal hearing.
• Sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is complete and truthful.

It is important to submit your response within the timeline specified by the Tribunal, typically seven (7) days after receiving the request to expedite, unless directed otherwise. This deadline ensures that the Tribunal can review all responses promptly and proceed with its decision-making process.

Filing and Delivery Procedures

Once completed, your response must be:

1. Delivered to all other parties involved in the case, including any affected persons listed in the application.
2. Accompanied by a completed Statement of Delivery (Form 23) to verify proper distribution.
3. Filed with the HRTO, either via mail or electronically, depending on the Tribunal’s instructions or your preference.

For online submissions, you can access the Tribunal’s digital platform, which standardizes form filing procedures. If you require a paper copy or accessible format, contact the HRTO directly at the address or phone numbers provided below.

Important Contact and Submission Details

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario is located at:

• 15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor, Toronto, ON M7A 2G6

For assistance or inquiries regarding Form 15, you can contact the Tribunal via:

• Phone: 416-326-1312 or Toll-free: 1-866-598-0322
• TTY: 416-326-2027 or Toll-free TTY: 1-866-607-1240
• Email: available upon request through the Tribunal’s website

Summary of Key Steps

1. Complete Form 15 with your response and contact details.
2. Indicate whether you accept or oppose the request to expedite and whether you agree to mediation.
3. Sign and date the form to certify accuracy.
4. Deliver the form and the Statement of Delivery to all parties and file with the HRTO within the specified timeframe.

Responding thoroughly and promptly to a request to expedite proceedings ensures your rights are protected and contributes to a fair and efficient resolution process within the Ontario human rights system. Proper completion of Form 15 is essential to participate effectively in the Tribunal’s decision-making regarding case scheduling and management.