Canadian Asbestos Industry

This article is portraying a controversial act of ethical practices being undertaken by the federal government of Canada, the Quebec provincial government, and the Jeffery Asbestos mine in regards to Global health. Asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties, is well known to have serious health hazards. It has been used in a wide range of products such as: roofing shingles, water supply pipes, fire blankets, plastic fillers, medical packaging, automobile clutches, and brake linings (World Health Organization 2006). This toxic substance is being minded and extracted in Canada due to Quebec’s world-dominating share of the industry; regardless of the fact that its use is forbidden in Canada and most places around the world. World Organizations such as, the European Union, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank are all forbidding its use due to pressing concerns about its health risks. Asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis which are malignant lung cancers, which can go many years undetected. It is contracted through inhalation, implanting itself into the respiratory organs causing a slow creeping death. According to the European Commission, “researchers suggest the asbestos cancer pandemic may kill more than 10 million people in total before asbestos is banned globally” and “that there is no safe use of asbestos that can prevent occupational and environmental exposure and, urges all countries to use safer alternatives to asbestos in order to protect the health of their citizens” (DG Enviornment News Alert Service 2010). If the EU is taking proactive measures in preventing asbestos exposure to its citizens and spreading health concerns to the globe, shouldn’t the Canadian government do the same?

The justification encompassing the issue of allowing exports of asbestos from the Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper, states that “if there is a (legal) market for a product in some corner of the world, then Canadian manufacturers and exporters ought to supply it” (Jason 2011). This rationale is of high unethical relevance that should be altered or eradicated. The action is being taken up at a high governance level and questions surrounding what type of ethical business practices are of concern. Just because there is sufficient justification for the supply in a market where there is a demand for a highly poisonous mineral, does not mean that the product should be exported, especially if its use is outlawed in the exporting country. It is like saying, I know that the side effects are deadly but I am indifferent knowing that no one is at risk on my home turf because of its banned use. It is a very inconsiderate act for the Canadian government and corporate headquarters at the Jeffery Asbestos mine to commit to such exports. The Quebec government went as far as offering a loan to the Jeffery Mine, $58 million which could only be paid