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GMB slams Canada's asbestos promotion

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GMB slams Canada's asbestos promotion

The UK union GMB has condemned Canada's continuing defence of unfettered global asbestos trade. The union was speaking out on 1 July, which is both Canada Day and Action Mesothelioma Day. Last month it was revealed Canada has vetoed the addition of chrysotile asbestos to the UN's Rotterdam Convention list of hazardous substances where 'prior informed consent' must be obtained from an importing country (Risks 512). Canada is a leading exporter of asbestos to developing nations. GMB also called on the Canadian government to ensure that asbestos mines in Quebec do not undergo a planned massive expansion, using 'illegal public subsidies in order to export asbestos to Commonwealth countries such as India and Bangladesh.' GMB national health and safety officer John McClean commented: 'There has already been enough human misery and suffering due to asbestos. On Canada Day it is not too much to ask that Canada ratify the Rotterdam convention.' The multi-million loan guarantee promised by the Quebec government to underwrite the expansion of the province's Jeffrey asbestos mine could be in jeopardy, after the Balcorp Ltd-led business consortium backing the mine admitted they had failed to meet a 1 July deadline to raise a share of the mine development funds. Industry minister Clément Gignac said the Quebec government has agreed to put back the deadline until mid-August - but hinted it is growing impatient and that the offer of a loan guarantee will not be prolonged indefinitely.

GMB news release. Montreal Gazette.

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