OTTAWA — The Government of Canada is continuing its support for the safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos among those industries that use this important natural fibre. Gérard Binet, Member of Parliament for Frontenac-Mégantic, today announced that the Government of Canada is renewing its funding for the Montréal-based Asbestos Institute — a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safe use of chrysotile asbestos in Canada and throughout the world. The Government’s contribution will support the Institute’s activities domestically and internationally as it promotes the safe use of chrysotile asbestos. Mr. Binet made the announcement of renewed financial assistance to the Institute on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and the Honourable Claude Drouin, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Economic Development (CED) for Quebec Regions. The $775,000 contribution, over a three-year period, is funded by NRCan and CED and will be administered by NRCan. “I am pleased that the Government of Canada is involved in this important agreement to help protect the health and safety of those who use and work with chrysotile asbestos,” said Mr. Binet. “By ensuring that natural resources are used safely and responsibly, we can enhance the quality of life for all.” The Government of Canada’s safe use approach to chrysotile asbestos is based on scientific evidence that confirms chrysotile can be used safely when exposure to the fibre is kept at low levels. “Chrysotile asbestos is important to the economic development of the Chaudière–Appalaches and Eastern Townships regions of Quebec, since it has numerous applications here and around the world,” said Minister Drouin. “We are proud to be assisting organizations such as the Asbestos Institute that works to ensure that communities can have a safe and prosperous future.” The contribution will also assist with implementation of the responsible-use policy, as described in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and Canadian asbestos producers signed on March 3, 1997. The Memorandum supports an agreement in principle between Canadian and international chrysotile asbestos producers concerning the application of the responsible-use policy on a worldwide scale. The Institute will use the funding to cover the costs of activities in Canada and internationally, such as the following: communications material and information seminars; inspections of factories that use chrysotile asbestos to evaluate the efficiency of on-site measures to prevent and control dust; training programs for specialists on industrial ventilation and dust control, and air sampling and fibre counting; and seminars offered by trade unions to teach best practices to workers in industries that use chrysotile asbestos. All of these activities are intended to disseminate accurate information on chrysotile asbestos, and to improve worker safety within industries that use chrysotile asbestos. This initiative builds upon the Government of Canada’s commitment to the health and well-being of individuals, and a clean, healthy environment — essential to our quality of life. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron Director of Communications Media Relations Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 992-4447 (613) 947-8246 Marie-Claude Lavigne Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Claude Drouin (514) 496-1282
