June 28, 2016 | La Baie, Quebec. École Secondaire des Grandes-Marées, in the Saguenay-Lac St-Jean region of Quebec, has been designated a Fair Trade School. They are the 5th school in Quebec and the 10th in Canada to receive this designation.
The school has had a long history working on such issues, with its focus on responsible citizenship. Students focus on ecology, pacifism, solidarity, respect for democracy and human rights, over their five years of high school. The school is also a UNESCO associated school, one of only a handful in Quebec.
Café Cambio, a worker cooperative, provides coffee for the school and has been a partner of the responsible citizenship program for many years. Thanks to Café Cambio, the school learned about the Fair Trade School program, and after learning what it took to become designated, the school quickly embraced the program and worked toward designation. The program aligns well with the focus of the school, so it was a natural fit”. Carolanne Tremblay, Coordinator Responsible Citizenship Program.
“Congratulations to École secondaire Grandes-Marées on becoming a Fair Trade Designated School, and thank you for working with Café Cambio to promote fairer trade between the North and South!” Guylaine Pelletier, Café Cambio.
“École Secondaire des Grandes-Marées offers a unique program of responsible citizenship and in partnership with a strong commitment to fair trade, and the worker cooperative Café Cambrio, it has been a winning combination to engage students and school stakeholders. Bravo to the first Fair Trade School in Saguenay-Lac St-Jean! ” Eric St-Pierre, Québec Fair Trade Association
“Congratulations to École Secondaire des Grandes-Marées for obtaining Fair Trade School Designation. It is encouraging to see more and more young people interested in fair trade. Thank you for supporting farmers and workers who work within the Fairtrade system. ” – Mélissa Dubé, Community Relations Manager, Fairtrade Canada
“It is with great pleasure that I get to congratulate École Secondaire des Grandes-Marées on becoming the 10th Fair Trade School in Canada” Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network.