2010:01a. INCLUSION OF CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS IN THE ROTTERDAM CONVENTION
Whereas 1
According to the Rotterdam Convention’s review committee, chrysotile (the dominant form of asbestos found in Canada) is unequivocally a human carcinogen. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies agree, and Canada acknowledges that all forms of asbestos fibres, including chrysotile, are carcinogenic; and
Whereas 2
Canada is the only western democracy to have consistently opposed international efforts to regulate the global trade in asbestos, and for several years Canada has led opposition to listing chrysotile under the Rotterdam Convention; and
Whereas 3
The sale of asbestos is illegal in Canada, and data show increasing consumption of Canadian asbestos under the sales activities of Chrysotile Canada Inc.; therefore, be it
Resolved 1
That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the inclusion of chrysotile asbestos as a dangerous substance in the Rotterdam Convention; and be it further
Resolved 2
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to include chrysotile asbestos as a dangerous substance in the Rotterdam Convention; and be it further
Resolved 3
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to ratify the Rotterdam Convention without delay.