Unveiling Advocacy: Engineers Without Borders Canada
Hill Day 2023 Chronicles written by Kashish Sikka
EWB’s (Engineers Without Borders) Day on the Hill conference was a vital three-day event in Ottawa, from October 21–23, 2023. It gathered EWB community members, students, staff, and partners to campaign for political change. Focused on aTo advocateing for EWB’s Policy asks regarding Loss and Damage and climate finance, participants engage in MP meetings, training sessions, and a parliamentary reception. This conference, initiated in 2011, serves as a crucial platform for EWB volunteers from across Canada to bridge the gap between policymakers and advocates. It offers a unique opportunity to influence change, network, attend learning sessions, and hear from keynote speakers, fostering a community of effective climate change advocates.
What is EWB? Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is a humanitarian organization comprising engineers, technologists and other professionals committed to addressing pressing global issues. They collaborate with communities in need, applying engineering expertise to develop sustainable solutions for challenges like water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient access to energy. EWB projects often involve community engagement, technology implementation, and knowledge transfer to empower local populations and create lasting positive impacts. EWB’s McMaster chapter focuses on one of the UN SDGs every year, this year they chose SDG 11 — sustainable cities and communities.
The Hill Day 2023 event organized by Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Canada unfolded as an empowering journey for the McMaster University Chapter representatives, leaving an unforgettable mark on their advocacy efforts. Sindhuja, Sunehra, and Gopal, students of McMaster, shared their experiences and reflection on with Hill Day and the work they did as EWB representatives as follows.
Their first day at Hill Day began with CEO of Engineers Without Boarders, Brian Harrigan’s, opening remarks. An introductory climate financing workshop led to a brainstorming session on Canada’s role, followed by deep dives into research on climate finance policies. Conversations flowed during lunch, fostering crucial connections by networking with every delegate to allow for easier assignment of representative groups by the end of the day who would be talking to the same MPs by the end of the day. They would be tackling this whole discussion as a team therefore, so forming these connections helped them form better team overall.
The youth panel discussion focused on Student Engineering Summit and COP28 UAE Conference brought diverse perspectives. Panel discussion was by five selected EWB Delegates going to the Student Engineering Summit and COP28 UAE Conference (United Nations conference made to showcase the success of implementation of the solutions provided through the efforts of Hill Day amongst other things) which happened at the same event. This is where the second part of Hill Day motioned, where they made Canada pledge more money for the loss and damage fund due to Hill Day. At COP28, Canadas Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault announced the country’s commitment of $34.2 million CAD to the special climate change fund., Tthis pledge will accelerate climate adaption in small island developing states, and foster technology transfer.
An information session on Member of Parliament (MP) meetings and “the ask” provided strategic insights. The “ask” encompassed each delegate engaging in 2–3 MP meetings armed with three requests: increase in the loss and damage fund focusing on grants, establish transparency and accountability for funds, and release Bill S243. Mock MP sessions prepared delegates for pivotal meetings.
The following day continued with MP meetings, delving deeper into the political landscape. Parliament tours and gallery discussions provided an unforgettable experience. An EWB networking session with party leaders highlighted the interconnected nature of advocacy.
Sindhuja reflected on understanding government processes and the language used by MPs. She emphasized the need for more research on the numbers in climate control, showing a dedication to using data-driven stories in their advocacy efforts.
McMaster’s current EWB McMaster President, Sunehra, highlighted the warmth and active participation of MPs, particularly those already immersed in the dynamics of engaging with youth and engineering students across Canada. The training session, despite having a script, transformed into an authentic exchange where solutions were created on the fly, fostering an environment of genuine dialogue.
Gopal shared his non-political lens that offered a unique perspective, shedding light on the profound impact of authentic interactions. His revelation about discovering policies previously unknown exemplified the event’s role in broadening perspectives. The interconnectedness of Canada with global projects became a focal point, emphasizing the mission to catalyze tangible change.
The trio offered advice for future EWB members, creating a roadmap for meaningful involvement. Sindhuja stressed being proactive and a vocal advocate for youth, conveying a sense of urgency. Sunehra highlighted interactive engagement and making personal connections in advocacy. Gopal urged engagement with MPs, hosting events, and supporting causes beyond personal interests, showing a commitment to collective progress.
The proposals put forth during the event, as articulated by Sunehra, carried significant weight. Her call to increase the loss and damage fund, coupled with a comparison to Germany’s commitment, highlighted the need for a more substantial global investment.
The most memorable aspect of the event stretched beyond the formalities of advocacy. Staying up on Sunday night, bonding, and preparing for the meeting provided reflection on the profound connections formed during the event. The 60–70 delegates from diverse provinces formed a respectable unity, emphasizing that advocacy is a shared journey.
McMaster University’s representation outside conventional spaces was a crowning achievement. EWB’s actions provided the institution with a platform to showcase its commitment to social change. The leader’s acknowledgment and appreciation for McMaster’s contributions added a layer of validation, affirming the impact of collective efforts.
In conclusion, Hill Day 2023 was not just an event; it was a saga of passionate individuals converging to amplify their voices, build connections, and carve a path toward a sustainable and impactful future. To follow for more EWB events, check out their social media accounts.
Learn more about McMaster’s Engineering Without Borders Chapter
