Showcasing Canadian wool on the global stage

Since 2021, the Canadian Wool Council has been 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. Through our work with the IWTO, 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.

Our work at the IWTO

2024 Congress in Adelaide, Australia

South Australia, where the city of Adelaide is located, is notable for producing 30% of Australia's merino wool. This year’s Congress brought together woolgrowers, processors, spinners, designers, and retailers under the main theme of “from Paddock to Product” or “Connecting farm to Fashion.”

2023 Round Table in Montreal, Canada

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.

2023 Congress in Kyoto, Japan

Japan is a fascinating example of a country with a thriving wool industry despite not having any sheep. We presented our Fabric of Canada Film series and the inaugural collection of 100% Canadian wool rugs. Ellen Edney of Mariposa Woollen Mill became the first Canadian to take part in IWTO’s Young Professional Program.

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

Let’s shape the future of wool together

We are always looking to expand our network of people passionate about driving positive change in the wool industry through international collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing. If you are interested in joining the Canadian delegation to the IWTO at the next Congress, or becoming a member of one of the Working Groups, we would like to hear from you.

Moreover, ahead of each yearly Congress, the IWTO’s Young Professional Program offers an opportunity for wool industry professionals under the age of 35 to access mentorship opportunities, as well as a discounted conference fee. Please get in touch to learn more about these opportunities by contacting us at info@campaignforwool.ca.