Canada’s 7th National Fair Trade Conference will be held in Ottawa, Ontario this year. As the conscious consumer and global citizen movement continues to grow in Canada, the National Fair Trade Conference has become a key event that brings together civil society, business, institutional leaders, and government to learn, share and connect with sustainability stakeholders from coast to coast.
The Conference ties together international development and sustainability with better business practice and trade and explores how the fair trade grassroots, non-profit partners, Government and public institutions, businesses, food service companies, distributors, and certifiers can come together to strengthen existing ties and drive impact in Canada.
Highlights this year include:
- Brad Hill, leader of the responsible retailing movement in the UK, will touch on how to get business buy-in on sustainability.
- Maude Barlow, Honorary Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, will explore trade and policy in Canada.
- Helen Braiter, Senior Director at the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises and Strategic Engagement, Public Services and Procurement Canada, will discuss policy change, RFP processes, and procurement.
- Alex Boulerice, MP for the NDP in Rosemont / Petit Patrie and the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, shares daily strategies on tackling climate change.
- Jeffrey York, CEO of Farm Boy, will examine how to take fair trade from niche to mainstream in Canada.
Through keynotes, panels, workshops and networking, the Conference will touch on how Canadian business and retail can grow their CSR commitments, review strategies for engaging diverse audiences through effective campaigns, and explore joint advocacy opportunities that can position Canada as a global leader in trade justice.
EVENT DETAILS
- When: March 1st – 2nd, 2019.
- Where: Shaw Centre, Ottawa, ON.
- What: Learn, share and connect with fair trade stakeholders from coast to coast.
- Cost: Please visit the Registration page for details. For media passes, please contact us.
- Who: Hosted by the Canadian Fair Trade Network, 300 delegates from across almost all Canadian provinces are expected to attend, including students, community advocates, businesses, government representatives, and non-profits.
MEDIA CONTACTS
- Canadian Fair Trade Network: Sean McHugh, Executive Director, sean@cftn.ca
- Fairtrade Canada: Pippa Rogers, Director of Marketing and Communications, pippa.rogers@fairtrade.ca
- Fair Trade Ottawa Équitable: Mélissa Dubé, Chair, fairtrade.melissa@gmail.com
About the Canadian Fair Trade Network
The CFTN exists to inspire and coordinate a network of engaged civil society advocates and volunteers, along with business, institutional, and government leaders, in building a robust social movement that works to advance the values and vision of fair trade. Find out more at www.cftn.ca.
About Fairtrade Canada
The international Fairtrade system represents the world’s largest and most recognised fair trade system. Fairtrade Canada is a Fairtrade International member and nonprofit organization that certifies, promotes and advocates for Fairtrade. Find out more at www.fairtrade.ca.
About Fair Trade Ottawa Équitable
FTOÉ is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization that seeks to promote the concept of fair trade through outreach and education events in and around the city. FTOÉ’s primary goal is to get Fair Trade Town status for the City of Ottawa. Find out more at www.fairtradeottawaequitable.ca.
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