Accountability is a fundamental component of a human rights-based approach.
All levels of government have a duty to ensure that people have an adequate standard of living. To determine whether we are making progress towards this goal, we need to monitor what impact government actions have on people’s daily lives. We need ways to provide people with remedy when their rights have been violated.
Accountability mechanisms keep us focused on our goals, allow us to adjust our strategies and actions as we go, and motivate us to move further and faster. Done well, accountability sets us up for success.
At Maytree, 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.
Featured accountability publications
Are our governments ready to get serious about human rights?
Canada’s inaction on economic and social rights, over a period of nearly half a century, is a systemic failure to govern. But we might be seeing a shift in approach. Will meaningful action follow?
Exploring the role and function of a housing commissioner for Toronto
This report represents the consultants’ efforts to summarize the research, consultations, and potential options for the role and function of a housing commissioner that is envisioned to support the City of Toronto’s goals enshrined in the Toronto Housing Charter.
Maytree supports the Housing Commissioner Role recommendations before Toronto Council, but independence, accountability, and resources are key
Maytree President Elizabeth McIsaac spoke before Toronto’s Executive Committee as it considered Maytree and Crean Consulting’s report on a Housing Commissioner role at the City of Toronto. McIsaac stressed the need for a locus of accountability in fulfilling the adequate right to housing.
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Not too late to better the Canada Disability Benefit
Don’t judge a budget by its numbers
