Everyone has the right to a life without poverty.
To keep people out of poverty, we need to fix the systems that create it.
Learn more about Maytree
Why we need a human rights-based approach to poverty
A human rights-based approach to poverty puts people first. It examines how our systems create the conditions that trap people in lives where dignity is out of reach. It empowers each of us to call upon our governments to actively change and build the systems we need to protect our human rights. It measures progress by the impact our collective actions have on people’s daily lives.
Learn moreExplore how we change systems
-
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.
Learn more -
Data & measuring
Find the latest data for the number of social assistance recipients and welfare incomes in every province and territory.
Learn more -
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.
Learn more -
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.
Learn more -
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?
Learn more
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.
Learn moreFind the latest data for the number of social assistance recipients and welfare incomes in every province and territory.
Learn moreWe 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.
Learn moreWe support and advocate for rights-based participation, so people and communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in the public decisions that affect them.
Learn moreOur work on advancing economic and social rights raises the question: what if we built all of our systems on a foundation of human rights?
Learn moreLatest insights and stories
Latest from our publications and stories.
See all-
-
We can’t let myths about the human right to housing hold us back
Opinion March 28, 2024 -
The perverse logic of social assistance
Opinion February 27, 2024 -
How should the new Canada Disability Benefit interact with existing disability supports?
Policy brief February 13, 2024 -
FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto is an opportunity for leadership in advancing human rights
Deputation March 7, 2024 -
A fine line: Finding the right seniors’ poverty measure in Canada
Report October 25, 2023
Dive deeper
A fully housed Toronto
Maytree partnered with local newspaper West End Phoenix to examine Toronto’s housing crisis through a human rights lens.
Learn more > Learn more
Advancing justice
In 2021 and 2022, under the guidance of outside experts, Maytree delved into the relationship between human rights, poverty, racism, and the criminal justice system.
Learn more > Learn more
Poverty and human rights in Canada
For this special series, we brought together the voices of leading thinkers, activists and political leaders who are working on economic and social rights in Canada.
Learn more > Learn moreBe inspired
Five Good Ideas
Five Good Ideas is a lunch-and-learn program where subject-matter experts discuss powerful and practical ideas about key issues facing non-profit organizations. The sessions are most useful for management staff and board members at small and mid-sized non-profits.
Learn moreUpcoming Five Good Idea sessions
Recent Five Good Ideas sessions:
Advocacy and Policy
Five Good Ideas on advocating for change from the frontline
Diana Chan McNally will share her insights into her praxis as a frontline worker and an advocate.
Organizational Effectiveness
Five Good Ideas on working with Ombudsman Toronto for positive change
Learn how Ombudsman Toronto makes sure the City of Toronto treats all members of the public equitably and fairly.
Human Resources
Five Good Ideas for disrupting ableism in the workplace
Discover how you and your non-profit organizations can respond proactively to the need for an accessible workplace with integrity and accountability.
Stay informed
Sign up for our newsletters to receive regular updates on our work.
"*" indicates required fields