Meet the Fairtrade Canada team
Fairtrade Canada is part of the global Fairtrade system that encompasses Fairtrade International, our parent organization, along with regional producer networks, and other national organizations like ours in countries all over the world.
Who is Fairtrade Canada?
Fairtrade Canada is the Canadian member of Fairtrade International. We are a national, non-profit organization and independent certifier that supports, promotes and advocates for fair terms of trade for farmers and workers disadvantaged by unfair global trade structures. Fairtrade represents better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. We work with farmers and workers to get a better deal so they can strengthen in their businesses and communities.
Fairtrade Canada is proud to be part of this global network that includes almost 2 million farmers and workers. The team continues to grow in numbers, but also in courage, in kindness, and in passion; striving to make a real difference for what matters to us most: people and the planet.
Julie Francoeur
CEO
Our Team
Catherine Vidal
Senior Editorial and Campaigns Manager
Debbie Kealey
Accounting and Finance
Gariné Aintablian
Senior Business Partnerships Manager
Helen Reimer
Director of Business Development
Ian Brown
Data Manager
Idir Fenek
Business Partnerships Manager
Janet Riehm
Director of Finance and Administration
John Marron
Director of Commercial Relations
John Young
Senior Advisor - Data and Quality Management
Kathryn Derkatz
Commercial Relations
Loïc de Fabritus Gautier
Senior Manager of Advocacy and Citizen Engagement
Maria Gallardo
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Mikaila Boyd
Business Partnerships Manager
Nicholas Raymond
Business Engagement Coordinator
Pippa Rogers
Director of Marketing and Communications
Rob Desson
Business Partnerships Manager
Stilyana Stoimenova
Licensing Manager
Leaders around the world
We believe that it is critical to have a wide variety of people at the governing table – most importantly, the people producing the commodities themselves. Fairtrade farmers and workers have representation at all levels of governance, including 50% of decision-making power in the general assembly.
Our volunteer board of directors meets regularly to oversee the corporation and provide strategic guidance. Our AGM allows the membership to receive updates on the operations of the organization, and vote on important matters. Our Annual Reports and Financial Statements can be found in our Fairtrade Sales section.
Canadian board of directors
Valantina Amalraj
Chair (CSO - Fair Trade Toronto)
Kuljit Rakhra
Vice Chair (Licensee - Takasa)
Eugene Ellmen
Treasurer (Independent)
Madison Hopper
Secretary (Licensee - Equifruit)
Vera Belazelkoska
Director (Independent)
Oliver Bertrand Fontaine
Director (Licensee - Café Faro)
Claudette Torbey
Director (CSO - Concordia University)
Mike Yarymowich
Director (Aramark)
To contact the board of directors of Fairtrade Canada, please send an email to [email protected]
Fairtrade Canada Membership
Did you know your organization could become a member of Fairtrade Canada?
As a non-profit organization, Fairtrade Canada is governed by a board elected by its members. Membership is open to Fairtrade licensees and civil society organizations who are contributing to the fair trade movement.
By becoming a member, you could have a formal voice at Fairtrade Canada’s annual general meeting and the ability to nominate candidates to the board. It will also demonstrate your support for Fairtrade Canada’s values, mission and vision.