Housing

Housing as a human right

Maytree’s work hopes to build and reinforce the understanding that housing is a human right, not a commodity. This understanding allows us to reset the framework within which we conceptualize, develop, and implement housing policy in Canada.

Most recently, our work has been focused on the passing of the National Housing Strategy Act at the federal level, and the recognition of the right to housing by the City of Toronto at the municipal level.

National Housing Strategy legislation

On June 21, Bill C-97, which includes the National Housing Strategy Act, received royal assent. For the first time, housing as a human right is now recognized in Canadian legislation, the culmination of many years of dedicated efforts by housing advocates, lived experts, civil society organizations, and government.

Maytree is honoured to have worked alongside longtime activists and experts in the leadup to the right to housing legislation. We have been able to contribute through submissions to public consultations, coalition work, and support for the work of partners and grantees. For more information, you can look at this timeline of some of the key consultations and campaigns to which Maytree has contributed following the release of the National Housing Strategy in November 2017.

Maytree continues to follow developments with the implementation of the right to housing legislation.

HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan

Over the course of 2019, the City of Toronto is developing its next ten-year action plan on housing and homelessness. Building on steps it has already taken to further the right to housing, the City of Toronto could adopt and implement a rights-based approach to housing in its new plan. Maytree has been working with and supporting partners, community groups, and housing advocates to encourage the City to commit to realizing the right to housing.

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