Canadian Co-ops Support Fair Trade

Whereas: Fair Trade represents a system of trade where producers receive a

price that reflects the true value of farm labour;

 

And Whereas: the history of the co-operative movement in Canada is a

recognition of the strength of small producers and individuals coming

together to effectively access markets and strengthen themselves through

collective action;

 

And Whereas: Products such as coffee come from democratically organized

enterprises, often co-operatives, made up of small producers;

 

And Whereas: CWCF has heard requests (through its involvement with the

international worker co-op federation, CICOPA) from sister co-operatives in

Latin America and other regions of the globe, for assistance with

commercializing fairly traded, co-operatively produced products;

 

And Whereas: Transfair Canada is the independant certification body that

guarantees a product was purchased under Fair Trade conditions;

 

And Whereas: The seven international co-operative principles are inherently

supportive of Fair Trade, including numbers two and three which call for

democratic control and member economic participation of members, and number

seven which mandates a concern for community;

 

And Whereas: Fair Trade recognizes the best of the tradition of

co-operatives working together;

Therefore be it resolved that: the Canadian Co-operative Association support

Fair Trade by encouraging it members to purchase and sell certified Fair

Trade Products whenever possible.