It’s official: Concordia is a Fair Trade Campus

On August 30, Concordia was named Canada's 17th Fair Trade Campus.

This means that all residence dining halls, non-franchised campus cafés and student-run cafés are stocked with 100 per cent fairly traded coffee, at least three fair trade teas and a minimum of one fair trade chocolate (where chocolate is served).

The status — granted by Fairtrade Canada, the Canadian Fair Trade Network and l’Association québécoise du commerce équitable — solidifies Concordia’s commitment to increasing the scope and availability of ethical products on campus, says Isabelle Mailhot-Leduc, the university's sustainable food system coordinator. It also represents an opportunity to further raise awareness and extend discussions on social sustainability.

“In being a Fair Trade Campus, Concordia seeks to align its values with its purchases,” Mailhot-Leduc says. “It’s a statement for more fair terms of trade and better working conditions across the world. We will continue to work collaboratively with food stakeholders on campus to go above and beyond the designation requirements, and to cultivate responsible consumption patterns at the university.”

Éric St-Pierre (BSc, 98), a founding member of l’Association québécoise du commerce équitable and a professional photojournalist who has specialized in fair trade imagery since 1996, is delighted by the university’s accomplishment.

"My fair trade journey started 20 years ago as a Concordia alumni. It’s therefore with pride and emotion that I see today my university reach the Fair Trade Campus designation!” he says.

“Concordia has a long tradition of commitment to social justice and has always been active in promoting progressive food offers on campus. It has been a long but positive and ever improving road toward this landmark. Congratulations to all those students, staff and administrators who have made this possible!"

Find out more about how to participate in Fair Trade Campus Week at Concordia, which kicks off Monday, September 26.