Edmonton, AB | April 19, 2017. It’s official! MacEwan has been designated a Fair Trade Campus. Joining the University of Calgary, MacEwan University is the second Fair Trade Campus is Alberta!
The designation represents an opportunity to acknowledge the significant purchasing power that Canadian Universities have, and how changes in procurement have the ability to change the lives of farmers and producers in various countries across the world.
MacEwan Food Services transitioned to serving Fairtrade coffee and tea in all non-franchised locations and on all Aramark-catered events last fall. In addition, a selection of snacks and chocolates are available at all non-franchise locations, and through Aramark’s catering services.
“This status solidifies our goal to increase the scope and availability of ethical products here at MacEwan while supporting fairer working conditions and better prices for producers in the Global South. Beyond that, it represents an opportunity to further raise awareness and extend discussions on social sustainability,” says Kalen Pilkington, director of MacEwan’s Office of Sustainability.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with food-related stakeholders here on campus, striving to go beyond the designation requirements, and to cultivate responsible food consumption patterns within the MacEwan community,” explains Britney Stojke, Aramark Marketing Coordinator.
Food Services and the Office of Sustainability are hoping to not only widen the product availability, but also increase visibility and education about Fairtrade on campus.
“MacEwan University joins 24 other institutions as a Fair Trade Campus and it is definitely worth celebrating! The institution is taking a clear stance at demanding a fair deal for Fairtrade producers of the Global South and we look forward to continuing working with MacEwan! Congratulations!” – Mélissa Dubé, Outreach and Marketing Manager, Fairtrade Canada
“Congratulations MacEwan on becoming Canada’s 25th Fair Trade Campus! Joining the University of Calgary, it is inspiring to see academic institutions in Alberta use their purchasing power for positive global economic growth!” – Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network
“Proudly bearing the legacy of Dr. Grant MacEwan, your University conveys to its students his belief that we are all responsible for establishing a helpful, caring, sustainable relationship with nature. By becoming a Fair Trade Campus, you are encouraging a model of agricultural development that respects the environment and people. It is a concrete way to preserve biodiversity and to use natural solutions to the environmental problems of our time. Congratulations!” – Loïc de Fabritus, Project Manager for the Association québécoise du commerce équitable