August 30, 2016 | Montreal, Quebec. It’s official! Concordia has become a Fair Trade Designated Campus. This means that all residence dining halls, non-franchised campus cafés and student-run cafés are stocked with 100 per cent fair trade coffee, at least three fair trade teas and a minimum of one fair trade chocolate (where chocolate is served).
The status solidifies Concordia’s commitment to increasing the scope and availability of ethical products on campus. It also represents an opportunity to further raise awareness and extend discussions on social sustainability.
“In being a Fair Trade Campus, Concordia University seeks to align its values with its purchases,” says Isabelle Mailhot-Leduc, Concordia’s sustainable food system coordinator. “It’s a statement for more fair terms of trade and better working conditions across the world. We will continue to work collaboratively with food stakeholders on campus to go above and beyond the designation requirements, and to cultivate responsible consumption patterns at the university.”
Éric St-Pierre is delighted by the university’s accomplishment, “My fair trade journey started 20 years ago as a Concordia alumnus. It’s therefore with pride and emotion that I see today my university reach the Fair Trade Campus designation! Concordia has a long tradition of commitment to social justice and has always been active in promoting progressive food offers on campus. It has been a long but positive and ever improving road toward this landmark. Congratulations to all those among the students, staff and administrators who have made this possible!”.
“Congratulations Concordia University on becoming Canada’s 17th Fair Trade Campus! Each purchase we make has an impact on the world, and the people who produce the many things that we consume and enjoy daily. It’s therefore quite exciting to see an entire university put this front and centre, through the purchase of fair trade products” Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network.
“Congratulations to Concordia on your Fair Trade Campus designation! You are joining a growing community of campuses who play a vital role in Canada’s fair trade movement. Your commitments to justice and sustainability have an impact on families and communities around the world. Keep up the great work!” – Mélissa Dubé, Fairtrade Canada, Outreach Manager.
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