This week, Montreal is hosting the first-ever Canadian meeting of the International Wool Textile Organization, the global authority for the wool trade.
At the event, Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay-Lacolle, representing the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced over $185,000 for the Canadian Wool Council (CWC) to continue its work to build a more sustainable wool industry in Canada and spread awareness of the beneficial qualities of Canadian wool. The Ontario Sheep Farmers and Alberta Lamb Producers have also provided financial support for this initiative.
In recent years, the importance of revitalizing the wool industry, one of Canada’s oldest, has come to the forefront, due to wool’s natural, sustainable and biodegradable properties as well as its myriad technical qualities, the Wool Council says. Further developing Canada’s wool industry will provide consumers at home and in international markets with a greater variety of sustainably produced and biodegradable products.
The funds announced are provided through the federal AgriMarketing Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The CWC will use the funds to build the brand for Canadian wool, promoting trade and export opportunities, connecting the sector with global best practices, and improving industry and consumer awareness through education and promotional activities.
“Canadian wool is renewable, sustainable and biodegradable and so versatile. We applaud today’s investment from the Government of Canada which demonstrates their commitment to developing the full potential of this natural fibre and improving the lives of Canadians across the value-chain—from producer to consumer,” says Matthew Rowe, CEO of the Canadian Wool Council and The Campaign for Wool – Canada.