Ottawa, Ontario — November 23, 2016 — Canada’s auto recyclers, through the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC), have been calling for a ban on asbestos imports for some time. Recently, a private member’s bill has been brought forward for consideration that would effectively end the importation of asbestos containing products.
Sheri Benson, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon West, tabled the private member’s bill earlier in November, entitled An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
AIA Canada has issued a statement saying it is pleased to hear that there is renewed parliamentary discussion surrounding the ban on asbestos and health and workplace safety practices.
“As we follow the recent movement to stop the importation of asbestos into Canada, AIA Canada continues to acknowledge worker safety as a priority for AIA’s members and towards an asbestos-free automotive industry,” says Jean-Francois Champagne, President of AIA Canada.
Asbestos is still used in some aftermarket brake pads. This can cause health and safety issues for recyclers and repairers who must work with them.
Asbestos brake pads are not currently in use by any OEMs, but aftermarket brake pads are still one of the largest categories of asbestos containing products imported into the country. In the last 10 years, Canada has imported more than $100 million in asbestos brake pads and linings.
According to AIA Canada, more than 2,000 people die every year in Canada from diseases caused by exposure to asbestos, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure is the number one cause of occupational death in Canada, and since 1996, asbestos-related diseases have account for about a third of the workplace deaths recognized by worker’s compensation boards.
Watch this space for continuing updates on the progress of Benson’s private member’s bill.
