August 18, 1998 No. 192

CANADA URGES BRITAIN

TO WEIGH ASBESTOS FACTS

International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale today urged British health authorities to weigh objectively the evidence favouring safe use of chrysotile asbestos in industrial products.

The Ministers were responding to the decision by the British government to initiate public consultations following completion of a British health department report comparing health risks of asbestos with substitute materials.

"We are not opposed to better clarifying how the mineral can be safely used, thereby providing greater market certainty," said Mr. Marchi. "But we are concerned that these consultations may lead to unnecessarily restrictive measures that would reduce access of Canadian asbestos to British or other European markets. We will ensure that Canadian views are heard clearly as the process unfolds."

The Ministers said that Canada's views concerning chrysotile asbestos have been conveyed to the British government and will be further elaborated during the consultations.

"We would welcome an objective review of the facts," said Mr. Goodale. "The scientific evidence clearly indicates that chrysotile asbestos can be used safely, under controlled conditions, and brings valuable benefits to society."

Prime Minister Chrétien has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair welcoming a full exchange of scientific information between governments.

The U.K. consultations were requested by the British Health and Safety Commission, based on their view that recent scientific findings suggest there are fewer health risks associated with substitute products. To date, neither the European Union nor Canada has concluded that substitute fibres are any safer than chrysotile asbestos.

Canada advocates the safe-use principle for the management of minerals and metals at each stage of their life cycle. This risk-based management approach involves the use of regulations to control and minimize potential risks to human health or the environment.

The Government of Canada has worked closely in partnership with the asbestos mining industry, unions, communities and the Government of Quebec and will continue to do so. Most of the $224 million Canadian asbestos mining industry is located 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

Jim Lévêque

Natural Resources Canada

(613) 992-4447

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