SUMAC community worker co-operative sells fair trade products in Canada. Formed in 2005, SUMAC continues to expand as it participates in developing an increasing awareness of global trade inequalities while providing the best fair trade certified products available. It is doing that with a very limited investment budget contributed by a small number of individuals and lots of time from dedicated members and supporters of fair trade.

It's not enough to be 'anti'. What is required is an integrated response: it's not only being against globalization under the control of and benefit for a few corporate giants, but also working to build positive alternatives - hence fair trade.

But it's more than that. We need changes in the structures of business itself. Under public pressure a global company may finally agree to carry a line of fair trade products. But this window-dressing doesn't address the core issues of control and profit maximization that are at the heart of the inequities in global trade. Which is why you don't see such companies putting their fair trade products at the center of their marketing and promotion efforts. The dominant global corporations will never create a more just world for all.

And that is exactly why SUMAC is part of the global co-operative business network. Co-operatives are different corporate structures that put people first! Trade isn't about global control and profit maximization. Trade, economics, and business should be about all people - our relationships with each other, with the earth, and with future generations. Within SUMAC, fair trade and co-operation are our main focus.

But it's even more than all that. The control of money and finances determines the type of society we have. Like all co-operatives, SUMAC can't build its positive alternatives if it doesn't have access to investment capital. In our society investment money is controlled by banks, other financial institutions, mutual funds, and stock markets. It's not in their interest to develop a co-operative economy. Although there are over 7,800 co-operative businesses in Canada ranging from small businesses to businesses that are large enough to appear in the top 100, you won't find them listed on any stock market, mutual fund prospectus, or being promoted by your investment advisor. Your stocks, mutual funds, and RRSP investments are not supporting a co-operative economy.

But you can! You can invest in SUMAC and other co-operatives. You can use your investments, even your RRSP investments, to build an economy and even a global economy that is fair, respects all people and works with the earth. You can invest in good and still make a fair return.

For information on investing in SUMAC and other co-operatives send an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it