Fair Trade
The Diocese of Rupert's Land supports fair trade policies and practices. You can help your parish become a fair trade parish. Fair Trade Manitoba is a program of the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, works with retailers, consumers, and organizations to spread the word about the benefits of fair trade and encourge its wider availability in our province. The one-month challenge is fair trade Manitoba's annual event.
For more information, call (204) 987-6420 or fairtrade2
mcic.ca..
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Fair Trade Manitoba's Definition of Fair Trade
FTM defines fair trade as an alternative approach to trading that:
- Promotes global economic justice, dignity and environmental sustainability through equitable trading relationships between northern importers and southern producers.
- Is based on fair trade principles as adopted by the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO-International) and adapted by FTM. These include:
- direct trade,
- fair price,
- long-term commitment,
- access to credit,
- democratic management,
- public information,
- environmental sustainability, and
- community development.
- Recognizes that adherence to the principles of fair trade can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and communities around the world.
FTM recognizes products displaying the Fair Trade Certified label (associated with FLOInternational), as well as those products sold by Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) which are recognized members of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), as having been produced under fair trade conditions. FTM believes that both international organizations contribute toward accountable and transparent verification practices of fair trade products.
Fair Trade Certified Label
FTO Mark
FTM also recognizes the fair trade status of goods that have been produced as part of long term partnerships between southern communities and the local Manitoba non-profit organizations which are playing leadership roles in international development efforts in the province.
FTM does not assess the fair trade status of other products. These include products imported by corporations that may have developed internal corporate certification labels and/or products sold by small, local shops which may have direct relationships with southern producers. FTM strongly encourages consumers to collect the information necessary about such products to ensure that fair trade claims are legitimate.