The applicant filed a human rights application against a Tim Hortons franchisee and its franchisor, The TDL Group Corporation.
The Tribunal requested written submissions on whether the franchisor should remain a named respondent.
The applicant argued the franchisor had sufficient control over the franchisee's operations to be deemed an employer, and that removing it at a preliminary stage would be premature.
The franchisor withdrew its request for early dismissal.
The Tribunal directed that the franchisor remain a named respondent, noting that the question of its liability should be determined following evidence and argument at the hearing.