Social justice tribunals in Ontario play a crucial role in protecting individual rights, resolving disputes, and ensuring fair treatment in matters like housing, human rights, disability claims, and employment standards. While these cases don’t take place in traditional courts, the stakes can be high—affecting housing stability, workplace fairness, and access to essential benefits.

Many people don’t realize that paralegals are licensed to represent clients in social justice tribunals, often providing an affordable and effective alternative to hiring a lawyer. If you’re dealing with a hearing at a tribunal, understanding how a paralegal can help could make all the difference.

What Are Social Justice Tribunals?

Social justice tribunals operate under Tribunals Ontario, handling legal disputes in areas like housing, human rights, and workplace issues. The most common tribunals include:

✅ Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, including evictions, rent increases, and maintenance issues.

✅ Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) – Handles cases related to discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other protected grounds.

✅ Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) – Reviews denials or reductions of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) benefits.

✅ Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) – Handles disputes related to workers' compensation claims.

✅ Labour Relations Board (OLRB) – Deals with employment disputes, union matters, and wrongful dismissals.

For a full list of Ontario tribunals, visit Tribunals Ontario.

How Can a Paralegal Help in Social Justice Tribunals?

Unlike a traditional court case, tribunal hearings often involve complex regulations and procedures that can be difficult to navigate alone. A licensed paralegal can assist by:

1. Providing Legal Advice & Case Evaluation

🚀 Why it matters: Many people don’t realize they have a strong case or misunderstand their legal rights. A paralegal will assess your situation and guide you on your options.

For example, if you were wrongfully evicted, a paralegal can advise you on how to challenge it through the Landlord and Tenant Board. Learn more about your tenant rights in Ontario.

2. Filing Applications and Appeals Correctly

🚀 Why it matters: Tribunal cases involve strict deadlines and required paperwork. Filing incorrectly or missing a deadline can result in your case being dismissed.

✅ Paralegals ensure that forms are completed accurately and submitted on time. If you’re applying for ODSP and your claim was denied, a paralegal can help you appeal the decision through the Social Benefits Tribunal.

Check out How to Appeal an ODSP Denial for more details.

3. Gathering Evidence & Building a Strong Case

🚀 Why it matters: In many tribunal cases, the burden of proof is on you. A strong case requires:

📑 Documents – Emails, contracts, medical records, or other evidence to support your claim.
👥 Witness Statements – Testimonies that strengthen your case.
📷 Photos/Videos – Useful for LTB cases involving property maintenance or unsafe living conditions.

For example, if your employer refuses to pay overtime, a paralegal can help gather payroll records and file a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

Check out How to File a Workplace Complaint in Ontario.

4. Representation at Hearings

🚀 Why it matters: Tribunal hearings can feel intimidating, especially when going up against a landlord, employer, or government agency with legal representation.

✅ A paralegal can:

• Speak on your behalf, ensuring legal arguments are clear and persuasive.
• Cross-examine opposing witnesses.
• Ensure your rights are respected during the hearing.

For example, if you’re fighting an eviction due to rent non-payment, a paralegal can argue extenuating circumstances and negotiate a repayment plan with the LTB.

Read more on Defending Against an Eviction Notice.

5. Negotiating Settlements Before the Hearing

🚀 Why it matters: In many cases, a settlement is better than a prolonged legal battle.

✅ Paralegals can negotiate a fair resolution before the hearing even takes place, saving time, money, and stress.

For instance, if an employee files a wrongful dismissal claim, a paralegal may negotiate a severance package or reinstatement before it reaches the Labour Relations Board.

For more details, check How to Resolve Employment Disputes in Ontario.

When Should You Hire a Paralegal?

✅ If your case involves housing, employment, human rights, or government benefits.
✅ If you need help filing paperwork, meeting deadlines, or gathering evidence.
✅ If you’re nervous about representing yourself in a hearing.
✅ If the opposing party has legal representation.

Hiring a paralegal is often more affordable than hiring a lawyer and can significantly increase your chances of winning your case.

For a free consultation, contact Carson Frankum today.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights and Get the Help You Need

Tribunals are designed to ensure fairness and justice, but navigating the legal process can be challenging. A licensed paralegal can provide expert guidance, handle paperwork, and represent you at hearings, giving you the best chance at a positive outcome.

If you’re facing a tribunal case, don’t go it alone—consider reaching out for professional help.

📞 Need help with a tribunal case? Book a consultation today.