How we change systems

Everyone has the right to a life without poverty. The most enduring way to keep people out of poverty is to reimagine and rebuild our social systems to respect, protect, and fulfill the economic and social rights of every person in Canada.

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Policy

Maytree advances evidence-based policy solutions that protect and promote economic and social rights for all people in Canada, with an emphasis on prioritizing those most in need.

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Data & measuring

Find the latest data for the number of social assistance recipients and welfare incomes in every province and territory.

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Accountability

We support the creation of accountability institutions, such as dedicated offices for commissioners and advocates. We collect and analyze data that can be a tool to hold governments accountable.

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Participation

We support and advocate for rights-based participation, so people and communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in the public decisions that affect them.

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Intersections

Our work on advancing economic and social rights raises the question: what if we built all of our systems on a foundation of human rights?

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Articleimage: red block with exclamation mark (iStockphoto)

Warning signs: Poverty in 2022  
Articlephoto: Canadian flag (iStockphoto)

2024 Federal Budget is full of actions, short on results for the most marginalized
April 21, 2024
Articlephoto: Flag of Ontario (iStockphoto)

The Ontario government fails to live up to its human rights commitments in Budget 2024
March 28, 2024
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We can’t let myths about the human right to housing hold us back
Storyphoto: Roy McMurtry cc Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

Roy McMurtry: A purposeful life lived with courtesy, humanity, and generosity
Interviewthumbnail: Elizabeth McIsaac

Our big task is to build up human rights in Canada
March 24, 2024