Fairtrade Canada Announces its First Annual Canadian Fairtrade Awards

Fairtrade Canada is currently in the midst of collecting nominations for their first annual Canadian Fairtrade Awards.

The contest

The national, non-profit fair trade certification and public education organization Fairtrade Canada will recognize Canadian retailers who have taken the biggest steps to promoting fair trade in the past year. The contest fits with Fairtrade Canada’s ongoing Take A Step campaign, which aims to see Canadians take more than 150,000 steps in support of fair trade this year. The contest features eight different categories:

• Grocery or Supermarket Chain (National-Regional)
• Independent Grocer (Small-Medium)
• Natural and Health Food Store 
• Specialty store
• Independent Café, Restaurant, or Food-Service Provider
• Chain of Cafés, Restaurants, or Food Services
• Provincial liquor board
• Co-operative (Not limited to retail)

 For each category, judges will be looking at criteria that include: the range of products offered, promotions, education and engagement, and an overall commitment to fair trade in the company’s mission, vision, and values.

The deadline to enter the contest is June 29! For more information, check the Fairtrade Canada website.

What is fair trade?

Fair trade is a system of certification that provides communities and producer organizations a fair deal. Fairtrade certification guarantees that workers are paid a fair wage, that they work in safe conditions, and that goods are produced with a commitment to the environment. It also provides the means for increased community development and more secure trade relationships.

Read more about fair trade and ethically sourced goods

“Fairness in Flowers”

“A Greener Shade of Coffee”