LANCET CONDEMNS HYPOCRITICAL CANADA AND QUÉBEC GOVERNMENTS FOR EXPORTING DEADLY ASBESTOS TO VULNERABLE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
We have been reporting regularly on the international campaign to press the government of Quebec to reverse its decision on funding the re-establishment of the Jeffrey asbestos mines. In a report published in London on Thursday, December 9, one of the world’s leading medical journals has joined the chorus of outrage. The Lancet has added its voice to those calling on the Quebec government not to provide a long guarantee to a consortium of Indian investors seeking to revive Canada’s currently dying asbestos industry. It is of incredible importance that one of the world’s most respected medical voices is joining in support of protests going on in London, Quebec, and throughout Asia at this very time. Dr. Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, was particularly critical of the decision to export Canadian chrysotile asbestos, an established cause of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, to developing countries that lack adequate infrastructure to protect its own citizens.
We add our voice to Dr. Horton’s and to the worldwide chorus, condemning this immoral export of asbestos-related death and disease to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.