Statement on Asbestos by the Canadian Medical Association

OTTAWA, Sept. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association is pleased that the Government of Canada will no longer oppose the inclusion of asbestos on the Rotterdam Convention's list of hazardous substances.

The CMA has called for a ban on the use and exportation of asbestos and urged the federal government to end its support of an industry that exports asbestos to nations that do not have the health or safety infrastructure or regulations to ensure conditions of controlled use.

The CMA also recognizes that employment and steady income are key underlying factors to ensuring good health. The further announcement today of federal funds to support economic diversification in asbestos-producing communities is very important to supporting health and providing alternatives to the mining of a dangerous substance.

The CMA also urges the Canadian government to consider adopting a Health Impact Assessment approach to developing public policy. Under this approach, Cabinet would consider every policy decision it makes through the lens of the impact on the health of Canadians.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people ofCanada, for the highest standards of health and health care. The CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing over 76,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 51 national medical organizations.

SOURCE: CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Lucie Boileau
Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach
Canadian Medical Association
Tel.: [phone] | 613-731-8610 ext. 1266
Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]