In a win for public health, Canada moves to ban asbestos

Tavia Grant,  The Globe and Mail, Published Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 8:00AM EST, Last updated Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 2:20PM EST

Canada will ban asbestos use by 2018, the federal government said Thursday, in a long-awaited measure aimed at protecting the health and safety of Canadians that is expected to eventually help reduce the rate of asbestos-related diseases.

“When it comes to asbestos, the science is…very clear,” said Health Minister Jane Philpott at a press conference. “We are taking action on this now to protect future generations of Canadians.”

She and three other federal ministers from science, environment and public procurement made the joint announcement Thursday morning at the Ottawa Hospital’s cancer centre. The “whole-of-government” approach means asbestos and asbestos-containing products will be banned by 2018.

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