Parliament passes bill requiring foreign aid to focus on ending poverty

Aid groups have welcomed the legislation, saying it will ensure that the fight against global poverty gets the attention it deserves. It also sets new reporting requirements for foreign aid, which supporters say means better accountability and transparency.

The bill was introduced by Toronto Liberal MP John McKay and won support from all parties.

It was passed by the Senate with amendments and then passed again by the Commons, which means it needs only royal assent to become law.

McKay said he's pleased by the all-party support for his measure, adding that the bill ensures that aid respects the priorities of those being helped.

Gerry Barr, president of the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, said it's good to see partisanship put aside on behalf of the world's poor.

"Canada's foreign aid must now focus on poverty reduction, take into account the priorities of the people living in poverty and be consistent with Canada's international human rights obligations."