May 16, 2016 | Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. École Secondaire Ozias-Leduc has been designated Canada’s 7th Fair Trade School, joining a growing movement from coast to coast.
Early this year, David Morin, a secondary student, wanted to open a Magasin du Monde (World Shop) in the school. So they met the management, formed a team, and the store was born. Since October, the students have sold over 30 fair trade products, three days a week. But that’s not all! As the priority of the Magasin du Monde project is education, they also planned tours and hosted various awareness events. Currently, their Magasin du Monde has completed its first year of operation. There are now 35 young people involved in the project. Through the Youth City Council, they asked the mayor of Mont-Saint-Hilaire to begin working on a Fair Trade town designation, and he was very interested in this project. Finally, a big thanks must go out to cafeteria, as they are very aware of the importance of fair trade. The school cafeteria will cook with fair trade ingredients starting this September, a great exposure for fair trade products.
“Young people are becoming increasingly aware of the problems of our world: environmental degradation, social injustice, economic exploitation. They have the will to act to improve the situation, but sometimes feel powerless to change things. Magasin du Monde brings a response of hope and solidarity. Students at Ozias-Leduc have committed themselves with enthusiasm and conviction. Everyone is benefiting; from producers to clients. This is a positive way to change the world little by little and share. We are very proud to be part of the Fair Trade School network. “- Marie Beauregard, assistant director.
“What to say! I am very proud of all the achievements that have made during the year our the Magasin du Monde here at Ozias-Leduc school. It was a year long project, which was finalized by our Fair trade school designation. I believe that the involvement of all students was essential to the successful operation of the store. I want the project to continue with the same strong momentum!”- Émile Chapdelaine, student vice-president of the Magasin du Monde.
“Ozias-Leduc High School has quickly become a fair trade leader in Québec! Not only does their Magasin du Monde offer many fair trade products to students and teachers, but their influence is growing into the rest of the Mont-Saint-Hilaire community. Outreach which demonstrates the remarkable commitment of the 7th Fair Trade School in Canada! Congratulations to all those who are at the heart of this landmark” Éric St-Pierre, Association Québécoise du Commerce Équitable
“Based in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, a small community on the south shore of Montréal, Ozias-Leduc has been actively promoting fair trade, and in recent months, has been working towards Fair Trade School designation. It is therefore my pleasure to congratulate them on becoming Canada’s 7th, and Québec’s 3rd Fair Trade Designated School” – Sean McHugh, Executive Director, Canadian Fair Trade Network.
“I’m pleased to congratulate École Secondaire Ozias-Leduc for their Fair Trade School designation. They have worked hard to connect young people with resources so that they can work towards a more just and sustainable world. On behalf of Fairtrade Canada and Fairtrade producers, I thank you for your solidarity.” – Mélissa Dubé, Outreach Coordinator, Fairtrade Canada
“I want to express my admiration for the excellent work this year by the Magasin du Monde (World shop) team and the staff and management of Ozias Leduc high school. Their determination and conviction to carry forward their fair trade engagement is exceptional. Oxfam-Québec is very proud of these young people involved who, in addition to show great leadership, have at heart the construction of a more just, equitable and inclusive world. Congratulations on obtaining Fair trade school status” Jennifer Robillard, mobilization – Events and Magasin du Monde Officer, Oxfam-Québec