Who we are

In an attempt to react to the ever-increasing globalization phenomenon –highly influencing the developing countries’ economies- Oxfam Fair Trade, operating under the EQUITA brand, has decided to further its actions on the ground.

Oxfam Fair Trade, an Oxfam-Quebec subsidiary, was created in 1996.

Our mission is :

To open up, create and develop markets for quality products based on Fair Trade and sustainable development principles.

Through its products and education programs, raise consumer awareness and solidarity with communities and small-scale producers from the South.

Our decision of acting directly in international markets stems from our belief that international trade can lift millions of people out of poverty as long as the rules governing it are fair.
The growth in international trade, seen for the last two decades, has not yet been accompanied by an improvement in living conditions of millions of human lives, who remain excluded from the world market systems.
In today’s global economy, pure economic growth imposes itself as the sole tool for development. Such an economical approach is not in tune with fundamental needs of the communities in the developing countries; this is why the Oxfams have decided to get involved in Fair Trade.
Only through Fair Trade can we ensure sustainable development, which means an economical, community-centered and ecological development. The communities we support take a great part in the harmonious management of their socio-economic projects.

In order to achieve its objectives, Oxfam Fair Trade is committed to Fair Trade and to carry on various public awareness events for the Canadian population in partnership with Oxfam Canada’s volunteers and staff across Canada.

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS CONSUMPTION: ONE BUY, ONE VOTE!

While globalization keeps increasing the gap between the rich and the poor, small-scale producers try in vain to make ends meet by working until exhaustion, oftentimes in slavery-like conditions with the hope to position themselves in the market dominated by multinationals.
EQUITA aims at reducing the unfair power balance in world trade by offering an alternative to consumers. Consequently, this alternative provides a new position to producers in international exchanges.
Nonetheless, we believe that Fair Trade is part of a greater movement that EQUITA is dedicated to support and promote: ethical consumption. You cannot build a sustainable market for Fair Trade products without public education to modify the overarching values that drives consumers to fill their needs. Consumption as an expression of citizenship. The consumer, as a citizen, has the right to vote. One buy, one vote for a better world.