“Keeping fair trade on the table”: Canadian advocates and companies meet in Winnipeg amidst global supply chain shake-ups.

Who: Businesses, members and partners of Fairtrade Canada

What: Canada’s 11^th National Fair Trade Conference: “Where Rights Take Root”

Where: 385 Spence Street (University of Winnipeg campus), Winnipeg, MB.
Winnipeg has been officially designated as a Fair Trade Town since 2017.

When: May 1 at 8:30 a.m. to May 2 at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time).

Why: Canadians’ interest in fair trade practices and products is growing despite rising costs and economic pressures. This conference explores the role Canada can play in defending human rights and the environment in supply chains, elevating farmer and worker voices, and shaping a trade system grounded in equity, justice, and human dignity. With speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, this event gathers changemakers, leaders, and advocates for impactful discussions and solutions.

Speakers and Highlights:

• Welcome: Markus Chambers, Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg
• “2026 Canadian Fairtrade Awards”: Canadian Museum for Human Rights, May 1.
• Keynote: Marcos Carol (La Riojana Wine Cooperative, Argentina)
• Gold Sponsor: Van Houtte Coffee Services

Conference panelists include representatives from Fair Trade Towns Winnipeg, Brandon (MB); Olds (AB), and Port Colborne (ON); students from Fair Trade Schools and Campuses; business representatives from Tony’s Chocolonely, Equifruit, ANDBACK COFFEE, Aramark, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Ten Thousand Villages, Bunyyad, and Dandara; and NGO leaders from the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC), Socodevi and ONE Campaign.

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Livestreaming of panels available. Press credentials and kits available on request.

For more information or to book an interview, contact Aalya Ahmad media@fairtrade.ca or 613-702-0906. fairtrade.ca/conference