Canada Welcomes the Global Wool Industry

In December 2023 for the first time ever, The International Wool Textile Organization held a meeting of the global wool industry in Canada with the Canadian Wool Council as the co-hosts. The meeting opened in Montreal with the Canadian Government announcing a fresh round of funding for the industry and continued with presentations from Canadian wool producers, manufacturers, designers and retailers. Overall 28 Canadian delegates participated, a record for an IWTO meeting.

The participants of the IWTO Round Table also had the opportunity to visit some of the city’s most iconic companies.

ça va de soi was founded by Odile Bougain and Antoine Nasri in 1980. From its inception, the brand has focused on creating exquisite knitwear using natural materials. During the field trip, the team at ça va soi headquarters generously shared their passion for wool. We were captivated by their extensive expertise in design, materials, and knowledge.

The participants of the IWTO Round Table also had the opportunity to visit Milo & Dexter, a young company on a mission to revive the Canadian wool supply chain. Jobair Jaber, the founder of Milo & Dexter, welcomed the participants to the company’s head office and workshop space in the city’s historical garment district on Chabanel Street. Milo & Dexter’s Wool Project is a feast for the eyes and a true testament to Canadian craftsmanship. All the pieces in this collection are unisex and made with 100% undyed Canadian wool. We are grateful to Jobair and the entire Milo & Dexter team for sharing their insights and passion.

Image credits: Nicolò Caneparo

Federal Funding Announcement

The Roundtable opened with an announcement that the Federal Government was committing over $185,000 in new money to support the work of the Canadian Wool Council in promoting Canadian wool and to continue its work to build a more sustainable wool industry in Canada and spread awareness of the beneficial qualities of Canadian wool.

“We’re so pleased to provide funding through AgriMarketing to help the Canadian Wool Council share the benefits of this high-quality and sustainable product here in Canada and around the world.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food