Group Wants Asbestos Banned in Saskatchewan

October 31, 2006 - A group of environmental activists known as Ban Asbestos Saskatchewan (BAS) has appealed to the provincial government to ban the hazardous material in this central Canadian province.  They’ve been unhappy with the replies they’ve received.

The group told CBS News that they want products that contain the dangerous substance to be kept out of people's homes and workplaces entirely. However, Labor Minister David Forbes says that isn’t going to happen at this time.

"Right now, no. Government is not considering the banning of asbestos products," Forbes said Monday.

Forbes, who says he understands the dangers of asbestos, believes that banning the substance all together is not the answer to the dilemma. Instead, said Forbes, his department makes sure that “proper occupational health and safety regulations are in place” for workers who handle the material, which is commonly used in building materials such as insulation, water and sewer pipes, and brake linings.

"The Department of Labor's mandate is workplace safety and we feel we have met the need of those who are working with asbestos," he said.

A year ago, BAS had approached then Labor Minister, Deb Higgins, who told the group that she was seriously considering the ban.  Members of the organization aren’t pleased with the turnaround.

"For him [Forbes] to say that … he's allowing murder in the workplace is what he's allowing," said Gord Gunoff, a member of BAS. "There's no way you can control, properly handle asbestos safely."

Gunoff said his group regularly hears from retired workers with lung disease, including mesothelioma, who were never told they were working with asbestos on-the-job.

The province says it is considering a regulation that would require employers to offer medical exams to workers who are exposed to asbestos. Right now, workers must make the request for an examination.