CANADA WELCOMES THE WTO DECISION TO ESTABLISHA PANEL TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE WITH FRANCE OVER CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS
November 26, 1998 (12:00 p.m. EST) No. 271
CANADA WELCOMES THE WTO DECISION TO ESTABLISH
A PANEL TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE WITH FRANCE OVER CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale today welcomed the
decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a panel to resolve the dispute between Canada
and France over chrysotile asbestos.
"The next step is to set up the panel and launch the procedures. With these elements in place, we are confident
that Canada's arguments, based as they are on scientific data, will prevail," said Mr. Marchi.
"The Government of Canada will do whatever it takes at this crucial juncture to demonstrate that chrysotile
asbestos products can be used without undue risk, subject to compliance with the responsible use principle in
the government's policy on minerals and metals," said Mr. Goodale.
Last month, Canada asked the WTO to establish a panel to review France's decision to ban asbestos in light of
that country's international obligations. Canada's application was made following a series of discussions with
asbestos industry stakeholders, primarily in Quebec.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Leslie Swartman
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
John Embury
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
(613) 996-2007
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca