News Update

Canada’s Second and Manitoba’s First Fair Trade Designated School

Posted June 11th 2015

Stonewall Collegiate becomes Canada’s second and Manitoba’s first Fair Trade School. Fairtrade Canada’s Fair Trade School Program recognizes schools demonstrating strong commitment to fair trade. Stonewall Collegiate joins as a sustainable leader supporting the work and lives of more than 1.5 million Fairtrade farmers and workers across 74 countries. Students witness the impact that they can have: “Being part of the fair trade movement has helped me understand the struggles people in developing countries have. It is important for everyone to become educated if we really want to make a change” says Sherry LaCoste, student.

“Every day I am inspired by the work that passionate students, teachers and school administrators do to become Fair Trade designated. Stonewall Collegiate is a great example of continued engagement towards the fair trade movement and we look forward to it being a leader in encouraging and demanding ethically sourced products” says Mélissa Dubé, Outreach Coordinator, Fairtrade Canada.

Partners Reactions

“Our class is made up of people who would not normally get involved in social justice issues, but over the last four years we have developed a passion for fair trade that has brought us together.” Chase Wilson, student, Stonewall Collegiate

“In our Grade 12 year it’s amazing to know we leave our school a little better. The fact that we are the second school in all of Canada is pretty great too.” Jared Dick, student, Stonewall Collegiate

“I think it’s important to discuss why our current system of trade is not ethical or sustainable. In our school we have always approached fair trade as a consumer choice. We feel that once people are educated about the realities and benefits of a fairer system of trade that they will do what they can to support it.” Cathy Chalmers, business teacher, Stonewall Collegiate

“SCI is proud to be recognized as the first Fair Trade Designated School in Manitoba. Our students are leaders in making peers, staff, parents and community members aware of fair trade products and issues.” Jason Cassils, Vice-Principal, Stonewall Collegiate

“It’s been exciting for Fair Trade Manitoba to accompany Cathy and her students at Stonewall Collegiate on the path to Fair Trade School designation! She has shown great commitment in getting students, staff and her community involved in working toward ethical procurement and consumerism and social justice.” Zack Gross, Outreach Coordinator, Fair Trade Manitoba

“The fair trade movement is strong and growing in Manitoba, the designation of Stonewall Collegiate as the provinces first Fair Trade Designated School is testament to that. Stonewalls commitment to fair trade has been inspirational, activity that I’m sure is being noticed both across the province and the country!” Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network

About the Fair Trade School Program

The Fair Trade School is a program of Fairtrade Canada, managed in partnership with the Canadian Fair Trade Network (CFTN) and the Association québécoise du commerce équitable (AQCÉ). The Fair Trade School Program recognizes schools demonstrating strong commitment to fair trade among its administration, teachers, and students. It has a long-term vision for awareness and support of fair trade, and has been designed to provide resources to suit a range of educational goals. The requirements to become a Fair Trade School designated are: to have a steering committee in place; to demonstrate fair trade incorporated into classroom learning; to ensure at least 2 Fairtrade certified products; and, to support ongoing communication and engagement to increase the awareness of fair trade and Fairtrade certified products.

About Fairtrade Canada

Fairtrade Canada is an independent certification body which licenses the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products which meet international Fairtrade standards. This independent consumer label appears on products to show that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal from trade. Today, more than 1.5 million people – farmers and workers – across more than 74 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system. For more information: www.fairtrade.ca

Thousands of products have been licensed to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark in Canada including coffee, tea & herbal teas, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, ice cream, baked goods, muesli, cereal bars, bananas, herbs & spices, olive oil, soya & teriyaki sauces, coconut products, flowers, sports balls, cosmetics, cotton products, wine and even gold.