Engineering a Better World: EWB’s Advocacy Journey
Since our founding, Engineers Without Borders Canada has harnessed the power of policy and advocacy to mobilize citizens, engage decision-makers, and shape global outcomes.
Our grassroots campaigns have created real change—here’s how.
Untie Aid (2004–2008)
We launched this campaign to eliminate “tied aid” in 2004—an unfair practice where Canada’s foreign aid required recipients to purchase Canadian goods and services. This approach often increased costs by up to 30 percent and limited impact.
Through advocacy and leadership from our community, we convinced Parliament to pass Bill C‑293 in 2008—ending tied aid with a full implementation pledge by 2012. The result? More efficient, effective aid—and an estimated $90–180 million in annual savings.
Bill C‑293 / Better Aid Bill (2006–2008)
EWB members across Canada championed Bill C‑293 from concept to law. Introduced in 2006, the bill passed the House in 2008 as the Development Assistance Accountability Act. This groundbreaking legislation ensured Canadian aid would reduce poverty, reflect the needs of communities, uphold human rights, and feature increased transparency through regular reporting and consultations.
Aid Transparency (2011)
Our efforts to advocate for better aid continued in 2011, where our community of 25,000+ citizens secured Canada’s entry into the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). EWB became only the second NGO worldwide to publish data to IATI standards, cementing Canada’s commitment to open data and accountability.
Development Finance Initiative (DFI) (2017-2018)
More recently, in 2013, we advocated for a Canadian Development Finance Institution (DFI) to support long-term poverty reduction. Following our persistent lobbying, the 2015 federal budget allocated $300 million, and after further mobilization—bank visits, petitions, budget breakdowns—the DFI was officially launched in 2017–2018.
#BringCanadaBack Campaign (2018)
In 2018, we also launched the #BringCanadaBack campaign, which urged Canada to reclaim its leadership role in global development—critiquing flatlining aid budgets and urging bold climate and equity investments.
What’s Next?
Today, EWB continues to advocate for ambitious Canadian leadership in energy, climate, transparency, and partnerships. We aim to influence key global forums— including Canada’s support for the UNSDGs, the IATI, and equitable energy transitions.
At 25 years strong, we remain committed to shaping policies that deliver sustainable, systemic change globally. Stay tuned as we take the next steps in shaping policy for a more just, sustainable world.
Support this work with a contribution that helps our community continue to influence Canada’s role in global development.
