Fairtrade Canada

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Fairtrade Canada

Fairtrade Canada is a non-profit organization that promotes and certifies fair trade products in Canada. It is part of the global Fairtrade International system, which aims to ensure better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

History

Fairtrade Canada was established in 1997 as TransFair Canada. It was created to address the growing demand for fair trade products in Canada and to provide a certification system that consumers could trust. In 2010, TransFair Canada rebranded itself as Fairtrade Canada to align more closely with the global Fairtrade system.

Certification

Fairtrade Canada certifies products that meet the standards set by Fairtrade International. These standards include criteria related to social, economic, and environmental development. Products that meet these standards can carry the Fairtrade Mark, which signifies that they have been produced and traded fairly.

Products

Fairtrade Canada certifies a wide range of products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, bananas, and cotton. These products are sourced from farmers and workers in developing countries who receive fair prices and premiums to invest in their communities.

Impact

The impact of Fairtrade Canada extends to both producers and consumers. For producers, Fairtrade certification provides access to international markets, better trading conditions, and the ability to invest in social and economic development projects. For consumers, it offers the assurance that the products they purchase are ethically sourced and contribute to sustainable development.

Campaigns and Initiatives

Fairtrade Canada runs various campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about fair trade and to encourage consumers to choose Fairtrade-certified products. These include Fairtrade Month, which takes place every May, and the Fair Trade Campus and Fair Trade Town programs, which recognize institutions and communities that are committed to supporting fair trade.

Governance

Fairtrade Canada is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from various sectors, including producers, businesses, and civil society organizations. The organization also works closely with other Fairtrade organizations around the world to promote fair trade principles and practices.

See Also

• Fair trade
• Fairtrade International
• Ethical consumerism
• Sustainable development