Published on
Montreal, July 4, 2012 – Equiterre congratulates its cofounder, eco-sociologist Laure Waridel, for her appointment to the Order of Canada by the Governor General on June 29.
Waridel received this distinction "for her contributions as a writer, commentator and social activist on environmental issues, notably as co-founder of Equiterre." She has written several books, on fair trade and the impact of food production and distribution. Her writings and talks have influenced public opinion on these issues.
"Laure was an environmental pioneer in Quebec. She was the first to promote fair trade in Canada and make people aware that every action we take can affect all our futures. We are pleased to see the government recognizing her great contribution to the protection of the planet," said Sidney Ribaux, cofounder and executive director of Equiterre.
The medal ceremony will be held at a later date.
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centrepiece of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
-30-
Source:
Loïc Dehoux
Equiterre
514-605-2000
Bio:
Laure Waridel is a sociologist specializing in international development and the environment. She is considered one of the pioneers of the fair trade and responsible consumption movements in Quebec. In 1997, at the age of 24, Waridel published Une cause café (Coffee with a cause), which helped kickstart the fair trade movement in Quebec. Described as a leader by both La Presse and The Gazette, Laure Waridel was also named one of Maclean's magazine's 25 young Canadians who are already changing our world. She has been named to Quebec's Cercle des Phénix, an honorary society for environmentalists, and made an honorary member of McGill University's Golden Key Honour Society, as well as being appointed a Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Pléiade by the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, an association of parliaments from French-speaking countries. Laure Waridel is a "water bearer" for Eau Secours!, the Quebec coalition for the respectful management of water, alongside Albert Jacquard, Ricardo Petrella and Hubert Reeves. She is a co-signatory of the Manifeste pour un Québec solidaire.
