Canada cannot continue to export the killer asbestos

September 10, 2010

“The Canadian and Quebec government’s refusal to ban the export of asbestos endangers lives both in Canada and internationally,” said Dr. Keith Martin, the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca. Dr. Martin was reacting to the news that the Québec government has provided Jeffrey Mine Inc. with a $3.5-million loan, which will allow it to continue mining asbestos while it makes one last attempt to attract foreign investment.

“As a physician, I can say unequivocally that this decision is incredibly irresponsible and threatens the health of Canadians and people in developing countries, especially India. How on earth does Canada still allow and even support with taxpayer’s money the export of a deadly Carcinogen?” said Dr. Martin.

Last year, Dr. Martin introduced a motion (M-359) in the House of Commons calling on the federal government to ban the sale, use, or export of asbestos from Canada.

“Instead of supporting the export and use of this carcinogen, the Canadian government should cease funding the Chrysotile Institute, ban the export of chrysotile asbestos, and provide transitional support to affected workers,” said Dr. Martin.

To date, 52 countries have banned this cancer-causing product, which kills upwards of 100,000 people every year. Canada has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related cancer in the world. In Quebec, where asbestos is mined, asbestos is responsible for half of all workplace-related deaths.

Dr. Martin also noted that every significant health organization in Canada has openly condemned the federal and provincial governments for their unethical promotion of asbestos. As Gilles Paradis, scientific editor of the Canadian Public Health Association Journal, noted: “The decision by the Quebec government to continue exporting chrysotile asbestos is a public health tragedy for Canada and the rest of the world. Asbestos kills workers and citizens. … The decision is wrong, unethical, indecent and we should be outraged.”

“Our government has a clear opportunity before it to show leadership in public health and in defending workers’ rights both here at home and internationally,” said Dr. Martin.