Canadian MP remains mum on asbestos issue

[toxicswatch]

Canadian MP remains mum on asbestos issue

By TARA HAGAN, SUN MEDIA

SARNIA -- The refusal by Sarnia-Lambton's MP to clarify her position
on Canada's controversial asbestos exports is appalling, a prominent
Liberal says.

"I'm appalled by (Pat Davidson) not taking a stand, especially
considering the many families in this riding who have been devastated
by asbestos and its effects," said Tim Fugard, who is seeking the
federal Liberal party nomination in Sarnia-Lambton.

Fugard was responding to Davidson's repeated dodging of questions from
media asking her to clarify her stance on asbestos exports.

"I don't have anything else to say on it," she said yesterday.

Asbestos, a known carcinogen, is no longer used in Canada but the
federal government allows it to be sold in developing countries.

According to Statistics Canada, more than $100 million worth of
asbestos was exported last year, much of it to India, Indonesia, Sri
Lanka and Brazil.

The Conservatives currently hold the Quebec seat that is home to the
last asbestos mine in Canada, and critics say Ottawa is afraid to
reverse a policy that might anger Quebec voters.

"It shouldn't be a dollar issue," said Fugard. "(Davidson) should be
standing up for Sarnia-Lambton and for all Canadians."

The London Free Press
‎Sep 3, 2009