THE 'P7' MARKETPLACE:

PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR PEOPLE & THE PLANET

As you know, the Group of Seven (G7) Summit is being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from June 15 - 17. At most G7 Summits in the past, there has been an alternative, 'shadow' summit. Halifax will be no different. For the past several months, dozens of community groups in the Maritimes have been busy planning the P7 -- a People's Summit.

At the P7, there will be speakers, workshops, theatre, displays, food fairs, music, a media centre and much more. One of the activities will be the P7 Marketplace organized by CUSO Atlantic, providing a forum for businesses and community organizations working towards sustainable economic alternatives.

--- 'P7' MARKETPLACE ---

The Marketplace is designed to meet one of the P7 objectives:
"To directly support those who provide fair, equitable and environmentally-sustainable products and services."
(When we say 'fair', we mean fair to people -- men AND women! -- fair to the environment, and fair to communities.)

THE MARKETPLACE WILL LAST 3 DAYS, JUNE 15-17 FROM 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

A selection committee will screen products and services based on the following criteria. Products/services should:

a) have social as well as commercial goals
b) promote justice and equity as the basis for economic
relationships
c) be committed to fair and safe employment practices
d) be community-based as much as possible
e) be produced in balance with the environment and sustainably use
natural resources
f) complement a self-reliant local economy (in the case of
international products)

One additional requirement will be that all venders accept Maritime Hours, a local alternative currency. (Venders would, however, be able to set their own policy, e.g., 10 % maximum in Maritime Hours). This supports the principle of putting some wealth back into the local community. For more information Maritime Hours and the many businesses and services that are available.

THIS IS YOUR INVITATION TO BE INVOLVED.

You can do this is in two ways:
1. You could have a booth at the P7 Marketplace -- you would be responsible for setting up and staffing your booth. All proceeds you earn would be your own.
2. If you cannot attend, you can send a limited number of products to CUSO Atlantic, and we will sell them for you in general 'shopping areas' at the Marketplace CUSO Atlantic would receive 5% of total sales in addition to the marketplace fee. Other things you should know:
There is a $25 marketplace fee for both vendor booths and those asking CUSO to sell products for them. (We need to charge the fees to pay for promotion, license charges, venue, and staff support.)

CUSO cannot pay for shipping of your products.

Businesses or community based organizations who offer a totally sustainable product or service will be awarded "The Sustainability Seal".

TO GET INVOLVED IN THE P7 MARKETPLACE, please fill out the form and submit it to CUSO Atlantic by May 20th, although the sooner you let us know, the better. Please note that space will be limited.

Thanks for your time. We hope to see you at the People's Summit. CUSO ATLANTIC (ATTN: Sean Kelly)
1657 Barrington Street, #508
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1Y7