14/11/2005.

New Democrat MP Pat Martin (from Winnipeg Centre) calls in a debate in the Canadian House of   Commons for an end for the government's support and subsidises for the  asbestos industry. Pat Martin worked in an asbestos mine in Clinton Creek, Yukon during the 1970s.

Mr. Pat Martin declared on October 21 2005 : " I rise today to urge Parliament to join our fellow legislators   in the United States to declare April 1 Asbestos Disease Awareness Day. There are compelling reasons why Canada should do more to formally recognize asbestos related diseases. For over a century, Canada has been a leading producer and exporter of asbestos. Yet we dedicate virtually no resources to diagnosing and treating the devastating diseases that our Canadian asbestos causes".

"Canada needs to be aware that our widespread use of asbestos has exposed millions to a deadly hazard and contaminated untold thousands of homes and public buildings. Better awareness of asbestos related diseases may lead to recognition that we need to test for and remove Zonolite insulation wherever it is found. It may lead to better medical research, diagnostics and treatment of those who fall victims to asbestos related disease".

"And, hopefully, better awareness of these diseases will convince Canada to stop supporting and subsidizing a product that is responsible for such misery, both at home and in the developing nations where we export it".