Despite recent protests, the Canadian asbestos industry seems to be continuing on, unaffected and uncaring about those who may become ill with diseases like lung cancer or mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos-containing materials. Now, fifteen organizations have joined forces to start a new lobby group that aims to protect the asbestos industry in Canada. Known as Partners for the Use of Asbestos, the organization aims to protect the job security of workers employed at Canada’s only remaining asbestos mine located in Thetford Mines, Quebec.

According to Chrysotile Institute president Clément Godbout, the mines provide income to over 2500 people in the country. "I have [seen] plant closures and shutdowns – [but] never a good, serious program has been provided for the workers," said Godbout, explaining why the mine should stay open. "Their communities [are] destroyed."

But Canadian politician Pat Martin believes that the costs of asbestos far outweigh any benefits. "The asbestos cartel is like the tobacco industry’s evil twin, because they both relied for decades on phony science, aggressive lobbying … and out and out lies about the danger of the product," said Martin. "But in this case, it’s all paid for by the Canadian taxpayer."

Martin was also disturbed to hear that the new pro-asbestos would receive $250,000 in federal funding. "Taxpayers are funding this group to lobby the government so they will keep on exporting this dangerous substance," Martin said. "It is an absurd situation in a time of fiscal restraint."

Clément Godbout argues that asbestos is being unfairly targeted. "Canada is a resource-rich country and we export all kinds of chemicals and natural products that are cancer-causing if used improperly, some more than chrysotile," he said.

Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis, who was born in Thetford Mines, agrees. "Asbestos can be used in a safe way," Paradis stated. "It’s a risk management issue. It is dangerous in the sense that you have to manage the risk."

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