Montreal, QC | March 13th, 2017. It was with pride that the director of Polytechnique Montréal, Christophe Guy, and the chancellor of Université de Montréal, Guy Breton, announced their Fair Trade Campus designations at an event on March 13th, 2017. The two campuses unite with a national fair trade movement dedicated to improving the working conditions and living standards of farmers and producers around the globe!
Polytechnique Montréal named Canada’s 23rd Fair Trade Campus
Polytechnique Montréal is now designated Canada’s 23rd Fair Trade Campus, joining a movement of 579,960 students who want the products they purchase to contribute to international social and economic development.
“The desire to change the world and to have a direct positive impact on society is well known to the Polytechnique community. Now, if the cause of fair trade is already naturally embraced within our walls, there is no doubt that this designation will be accompanied by renewed vigor.”, Christophe Guy, General Director of Polytechnique
The awarding of this designation marks a lasting shift towards greater social responsibility for the Polytechnique Students’ Association. Combined with our goals of increasing the fair trade presence on the campus as well as local products in our menus, this is only the first pavement on the road to conscious food.”, said Samuel Tremblay, vice-president for services of the Polytechnique Students’ Association
“École Polytechnique de Montréal is at the forefront of sustainable development and has remarkably integrated fair trade in its activities. Congratulations to the staff and the students who met all the criteria to become Canada’s 23rd Fair Trade Campus.” Éric St-Pierre, Oxfam-Québec and Association québécoise du commerce équitable
“Excited to have Polytechnique Montréal join the national fair trade movement as Canada’s 23rd Fair Trade Campus! When a campus offers fair trade products to it’s students, they display a global commitment to social and economic equality. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the process!” Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network
“Congratulations Polytechnique Montréal on becoming the 23rd Fair Trade Canadian campus! The entire team has demonstrated incredible passion towards the Fair Trade Campus designation. The institution supports fair opportunities for the Fairtrade workers and farmers of the Global South, hats off to everyone involved!” Mélissa Dubé, Outreach and Marketing Manager, Fairtrade Canada
Université du Montréal named Canada’s 24th Fair Trade Campus
Joining in on the celebration, Université de Montréal also announced its new designation, as Canada’s 24th Fair Trade Campus. The designation shows the Universities commitment to source products that promote social, economic, and gender equality.
“By receiving this certification, we become the largest francophone Fair Trade Campus in Canada. And since we received this designation with Polytechnique Montréal, we can say that 60,000 people are affected on a daily basis. It’s like a small town becomes fair! A University like ours has the power to influence society. And it is the students who have used this power to advance a cause that is close to their heart.” Université de Montréal rector Guy Breton.
“It is very important for FAÉCUM to demonstrate leadership in terms of responsible consumption. That’s why we worked closely with the managers of the 22 student cafes on our campus to make available a wide range of fair trade products for the entire university community”, said Andréanne St-Gelais, Secretary General of FAÉCUM, the Federation of student associations on the campus of the Université de Montréal.
“Université de Montréal and its more than 50,000 students make a decisive choice by offering fair trade products in all of the university’s food services. A choice that demonstrates their undeniable commitment to sustainable development and their respect for producers in the South. It is a fully deserved honor that Université de Montréal is now awarded the Fair Trade Campus designation.” Éric St-Pierre, Oxfam-Québec and Association québécoise du commerce équitable
“Sending my congratulations to Université de Montréal! As Canada’s 24th Fair Trade Campus, Université de Montréal is joining a national network of 579,960 students who are trying to change the world for the better. All individuals involved in making this designation a reality should be very proud!” Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network
“Congratulations to Université de Montréal that became today Canada’s 24th Fair Trade Campus! In obtaining this designation, the University becomes a leader in social justice. This designation means positive change for the live of farmers and of their communities of the south.” Mélissa Dubé, Outreach and Marketing Manager, Fairtrade Canada