Ban Asbestos hits a brick wall in Canada
On September 12 - 13, 2003 the international secretariat of Ban Asbestos
organized an anti-asbestos conference in Ottawa, Canada to publicize its
activities and put forward its claims. At the invitation of a member of the New
Democratic Party (NDP), the conference was held in the House of Commons,
home of the Canadian Parliament. Believing they would gain some sympathy
with their traditional commentary based on outdated science and the ruthless
exploitation of victims of past misuse, the Ban Asbestos devotees were instead
forced to explain questionable practices that support their motives and activities
to the public.
Over 250 people gathered in front of the Parliament to extol the facts
regarding the safe use of chrysotile. This spontaneous demonstration of
workers and federal and provincial politicians was deemed necessary after
organizers refused to allow a small group of people to attend the conference
so they could reply to the rhetoric of Ban Asbestos. As in Osasco, Brazil and
all other events organized by Ban Asbestos, anyone with divergent ideas was
refused entrance to the conference.
[To read more please download the "pdf" file.]
