Canadian wool and the world

Through our work with the International Wool Textile Organisation, the Canadian Wool Council seeks to raise awareness of Canadian wool and its unique benefits to people around the world while shaping best practices up the value chain.

REPRESENTING CANADIAN WOOL ON THE WORLD STAGE

In 2021, the Canadian Wool Council — implementing partner of the Canadian Campaign for Wool — became Canada’s official representative to the International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO). IWTO is the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry, with members from all stages of the wool textile pipeline — from farm to retail. IWTO works to ensure a sustainable future for wool via scientific research, wool textile education and knowledge sharing.

In December 2023, for the first time in history, the global wool industry held a meeting in Canada with
the CWC as co-host. Held at the Le Mount Stephen Hotel in Montreal, the Roundtable provided a rare opportunity to bring together a record number of participants from across the Canadian wool value-chain and share their successes with the world.

In spring 2023, the Canadian delegation participated in IWTO Congress held in Kyoto, Japan. Over 300 delegates participated overall, with the Congress attracting many traders and brokers. The Japanese market is a fascinating example of a country with a thriving wool industry despite not having any sheep to speak of.

Canada presented on the Fabric of Canada Film series as well as our work creating 100% Canadian wool rugs. Ellen Edney, owner of Mariposa Woollen Mill became the first Canadian to be nominated to take part in IWTO’s Young Professional Program. This program pairs professionals under the age of 35 with a senior member of the wool textile trade for the duration of the Congress while also giving them access to bespoke networking and social opportunities.

Canadian delegation to the International Wool Textile Organisation

  • Matthew Rowe

    Chef de Mission
    Head of Delegation

    Special Advisor to the President of Canada

    Member of the Executive Committee

  • Jane Underhill

    Chair

    Canadian Wool Domestic and International Affairs Committee

    Deputy Head of Delegation

    Wool Interiors Working Group

  • Kim Doherty Smith

    Wool Market Intelligence Working Group

  • Holly Heartz

    Product Wellness Working Group

  • Carol Sebert

    Chair - Wool Interiors Working Group

  • Nancy Self

    Wool Sheep Welfare Working Group

  • Richard Self

    Wool Sheep Welfare Working Group