CAW Ban Asbestos Campaign
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April 26, 2005
On April 28th, the Day of Mourning, we recognize the passing of so many workers having suffered from occupational disease.
They far outnumber those who die in traumatic injuries as a result of their work. Many work related deaths are caused by
exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos.
The CAW is urging Canadians to write letters to the Prime Minister and to their Member of Parliament calling for a ban on the
production and use of asbestos in Canada and a ban on the export of asbestos to developing countries.
The CAW is urging union leadership, activists, members and members of the public to write letters to the Prime Minister and to
Members of Parliament calling for a ban on the production and use of asbestos in Canada and a ban on the export of asbestos to
developing countries.
In addition it’s critical to ensure asbestos is safely removed from workplaces.
The CAW’s campaign highlights concerns about the federal government’s continued support for the use of asbestos in Canada
and for its export to developing countries. Chrysotile asbestos, mined in Canada, is just as deadly as other types of asbestos.
Canadian workers including workers from the former Holmes Foundry in Sarnia, Ontario are dying from asbestos related disease.
At Holmes in Sarnia, for example, more than 100 workers have died from asbestos related disease and their widows and children
have had their workers’ compensation claims accepted as a result of the efforts of the union.
In developing countries where people have little or no protection from breathing in the deadly dust the situation remains as
dangerous as conditions used to be decades ago in Canadian plants.
The CAW is urging the government to ban the use and export of asbestos and to end its support for the Asbestos (Chrysotile)
Institute.
The union is also urging the government to provide re-training, re-location and income assistance for the miners and members of
the Quebec communities where asbestos is still mined.
Source: CAW News Now / CAW Health & Safety Department
To participate in the Ban Asbestos Campaign and for more information, click the following links:
Sample letter to mail to the Prime Minister and your MP Asbestos Fact Sheet
CAW Health & Safety Department
205 Placer Court
Toronto, Ontario M2H 3H9
Telephone: 416-495-6558 or 1-800-268-5763
Email
Other resources:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) - www.ccohs.ca
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