Green Party urges federal government to act on asbestos threat

OTTAWA – Green Party leader Elizabeth May today called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to act immediately to end asbestos production in Canada.

“Asbestos extraction is a serious health threat not only to citizens of developing countries, but also to those in Quebec whose communities and homes have been contaminated by asbestos,” said Ms. May.

A new study published today in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health found an unacceptable level of asbestos contamination in homes in Thetford Mines, Quebec.

The Green Party is the only federal party calling for an end to asbestos mining. The Party is also demanding compensation for asbestos workers and a just transition strategy.

“It is an absolute scandal that Canada promotes asbestos in international negotiations. In light of the new study in Quebec, it is clearer than ever that we must act now to end asbestos production in Canada and its export to developing countries.”