HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL OF ONTARIO
B E T W E E N:
Grant Hutchinson
Applicant
-and-
York University
Respondent
INTERIM DECISION
Adjudicator: Geneviève Debané Date: October 17, 2013 Citation: 2013 HRTO 1757 Indexed as: Hutchinson v. York University
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
Grant Hutchinson, Applicant Self-represented
York University, Respondent Joanna Rainbow, Counsel
1This Application is scheduled for a preliminary hearing by way of conference call on October 29, 2013 starting at 9:30 a.m.
2This Interim Decision deals with the applicant’s Request to adjourn the hearing, which is opposed by the respondent.
REQUEST TO ADJOURN
3The applicant seeks an adjournment of the hearing for a number of reasons, including that the current date conflicts with his schedule and that he has been busy dealing with some other Applications that he has filed with the Tribunal and requires more time to prepare.
4The respondent opposes the applicant’s Request to adjourn on the basis that it was not made within 14 days of the issuance of the Notice of Summary Hearing and the applicant has engaged in conduct which has demonstrated disrespect to both the Tribunal and the respondent. In response to the Request to adjourn the respondent also requests that the Tribunal issue orders that the applicant cease to send derogatory telephone messages and emails to the respondent.
5I have considered the Request to adjourn. I am concerned given the nature of the submissions and emails sent by the applicant that he may not be able to effectively participate at the scheduled hearing and that will result in further delay. Having considered the matter I find that it is appropriate that I exercise my discretion to grant the applicant’s Request to adjourn.
6With respect to the requests sought by the respondent, I find that these submissions fall outside of the scope of responding to the applicant’s Request to adjourn. The respondent, if it wishes, may bring a Request for order so that the applicant can have the opportunity to fully respond to these requests. If such a Request for order is brought by the respondent, then it must cite appropriate legislation and case-law for the Tribunal’s jurisdiction to make these orders.
ORDER
7The applicant’s Request to adjourn is allowed and the Tribunal will reschedule the hearing to a date mutually convenient to the parties.
8I am not seized.
Dated at Toronto, this 17th day of October, 2013.
“Signed by”
Geneviève Debané Vice-chair