EWB members had a large role to play in the passing of the Better Aid Bill

For the thousands of EWB volunteers working hard to make Canada the most pro-development country in the world, achievements are normally in the order of magnitude of five school outreach presentation completed, or the ten conversations had with passersby at the subway. These successes are crucially important and should definitely be celebrated for the impact they’ll have down the road.

But every once in awhile EWB volunteers have reason to step back for a much bigger celebration, and that’s what happened on May 9th. Canadians as a whole can celebrate the final passing of Bill C-293, the “Better Aid Bill”, through the House of Commons. This is a landmark move move for us as a country. We now have legislation stating that any Minister spending aid money has to be of the opinion that it will contribute to poverty reduction. This Bill, the first of its kind in the world, also says that aid spending must be in accordance with international human rights standards, and take into account the perspectives of the poor.

Students at EWB chapters across the country collected over ten thousand signatures to present to Parliament

It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t fast, but this incredible piece of news goes to show that when EWB and others take smart, coordinated and concerted action, it can result in real, lasting change.

EWB members across the country talked with nearly 50 MPs. Members collected thousands of petition signatures. Members of EWB essentially showed MPs and senators that Canadians cared about Bill C-293.

» See the timeline of events which led to the Better Aid Bill becoming law!

» See the Better Aid Bill on the Canadian Parliament website