NEWS RELEASES
VIETNAM INTERESTED IN CANADA'S PROGRAM FOR RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT OF CHRYSOTILE FIBRE
May 30, 1997 No. 101
VIETNAM INTERESTED IN CANADA'S PROGRAM FOR RESPONSIBLE
MANAGEMENT OF CHRYSOTILE FIBRE
International Trade Minister Art Eggleton welcomed today the visit to Canada of a
group of Vietnamese experts here to investigate Canadian policy and practices for
the responsible management of chrysotile fibre.
"The Canadian government and chrysotile industry have cause to be very pleased
with the results that will be generated from the memorandum we signed last March
to promote the responsible use of chrysotile fibre worldwide," said Mr. Eggleton.
"Vietnam's interest in the management of mining operations in Canada is very
important for us because of its influence with other Asian countries, which
represent a sizable market for chrysotile fibre."
The Vietnamese delegation consists of three members: Mr. Pham Khang of the
Environmental Impact Studies Division, Vietnamese Ministry of Science, Technology
and Environment; Mr. Dang Ngoc Truc, Director of the National Institute of Medical
Expertise, Ministry of Health; and Mr. Nguyen The Hung, Science and Technology
Branch, Ministry of Construction.
The program for the visit, which takes place this week, includes among other
things an inspection of the mining facilities of JM Asbestos in Asbestos and of
LAB Chrysotile Inc. in Thetford Mines. The Vietnamese experts will also meet with
representatives from various federal and provincial departments concerned, such as
the federal and Quebec natural resources departments. Briefing sessions are
planned with specialists from the Institut de recherche en santé et sécurité du
travail du Québec, the Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board, the Asbestos
Institute and the Institut Armand-Frappier.
Since July 1996, the Canadian government has been working closely with the Quebec
government, the Asbestos Institute, the industry and unions to set in motion a
common action plan. Federal and provincial representatives also sit on the
Chrysotile Working Group and the Communications Committee.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Nicole Bourget
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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