February 2, 2016 – Sorel-Tracy, QC: Cégep de Sorel-Tracy has become Canada’s 13th designated Fair Trade Campus, and the first Cégep to earn the designation.
CEGEPs are educational institutions at the college level in Quebec. Cégep de Sorel-Tracy joins the growing list of Canadian Fair Trade Campuses. “Cégep de Sorel-Tracy is happy and excited to be the first Cégep to be designated as a Fair Trade Campus. This recognition is all the more appreciated as it confirms the values and the efforts of our Cégep to include the concepts of social justice, equity and environmental protection. Our graduates are called to live and work in an inter-dependent and inter-connected world. In this sense, we believe it is important to train young people with a social conscience not only for today’s issues but also for those of tomorrow. This is why I’m delighted to say that we are a big small Cégep open to the world! Thank you to the committee members for their recognition.”- Fabienne Desroches, General Director and director of continuing education, Cégep de Sorel-Tracy.
“5 years ago already, the Cégep de Sorel-Tracy led the Magasin du Monde (World Shops) network one step further by becoming the first college-level institution to take part in the project. Within the network, they stand out for their civic support commitment and by their creativity, especially with their playful “Week of the fair trade banana!” With the Fair Trade Campus designation, they continue to position themselves as leaders who influence their community in a sustainable way.” – Catherine Caron, Mobilization officer, Oxfam-Québec.
“Congratulations to Cégep de Sorel-Tracy! Your hard work and dedication to the fair trade movement will be felt by thousands of workers and farmers who benefit from a fair deal. Thank you for your commitment to social sustainability and trade justice. You are pioneering the Fair Trade Campus Program in the Cégep system, be very proud!” – Mélissa Dubé, Outreach Coordinator, Fairtrade Canada
“As the first Cégep to have opened a Magasin du Monde, it’s no surprise that Cégep de Sorel-Tracy has become the first Cégep to receive the Fair Trade Campus designation! This is a testament to the dedication of the students and faculty at Cégep de Sorel-Tracy, where equality and social justice are part of their DNA” – Éric St-Pierre, Association Québécoise du commerce équitable
“CEGEPs are a unique part of Quebec’s education system, acting as a pre‑university college in the province of Quebec. It is therefore my pleasure to be able to congratulate Cegep de Sorel-Tracy as Canada’s 13th Fair Trade Campus, and Quebec’s first Fair Trade Cegep!” – Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network