I was unaware until recently that Canada was one the very few asbestos producers in the world. The only mine left in Canada is run by Lab Chrysotyle in Quebec. Not only that but our government recently just ended subsidies for the industry. Wow...talk about a blemish to calling myself Canadian. Not only do Canadians allow asbestos to be mined, but we have been propping up the business with our tax dollars. When did anyone ever ask me if I supported this idea? Cause surely if they would ask any Canadian the answer would ruffle a few feathers. Why do our governments continue to support unsustainable and just plain dumb practices.
For those of you that don't know Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and was often used in older buildings as a protection against heat, chemical, and electrical damage. If an older building is being renovated and asbestos is found, this is often highly reported in the news and the contractors take extreme measures to handle the substance with care.
So if such a toxic substance has the power to make headlines, why is it that our government allows workers to be exposed to it? Why is it okay for us to sell asbestos to developing countries, when we do not allow the sale of asbestos in our own country?
The European Union has already placed a ban a long time ago, its more than past time for us to follow suit. Spread the word and put the pressure on our government to remove this blemish from our badge of honor of being Canadian.
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