Residents of the city of Port Colborne commemorated the 15th anniversary of its designation as a fair trade town last week at the farmers’ market. Port Colborne was the first municipality in Ontario to achieve this certification in 2009. Now, over 2.1 million Canadians reside in 16 fair trade towns across the country.

According to the Fair Trade Programs, “Becoming designated as a fair trade town is a great way to unite your local population with the global community of fair trade advocates by making a commitment to support the principles of fair trade through ethical and sustainable purchasing choices.”

At the annual Top Hat Ceremony, which signifies the opening of the Welland Canal and the start of shipping season, the city’s fair trade committee and its members host the popular fair trade pancake breakfast every year as the first ship passes through the canal. Those looking to support Port Colborne’s fair trade should visit the local market at 59 Charlotte Street every Friday from 7 to 12 p.m.

Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate all levels of government, the city of Port Colborne and Niagara’s project team in landing a $1.6-billion lithium ion battery separator plant investment announced yesterday—great news on a productive Niagara Week here at the Ontario Legislature.