For the first time in 130 years, Canada’s two asbestos mines, Jeffrey Mine and Lac d’amiante du Canada, are shut down. Citing financial obstacles and operational difficulties, the two mines halted production earlier this month. Asbestos companies are certain the shutdown will be temporary, while critics are hopeful that it will be permanent.

There are two sides to the argument for asbestos production in Canada. The mining, production, exportation and overall use of the material have been historically supported by the Canadian government. It has provided favorable legislation and economic incentives in the manufacture of the material. Opponents like those in the scientific and medical community have continuously pushed back against the incentives and worked for heavier regulation.

There are some exceptions in the government, such as Parliament member Pat Martin, who has fought the asbestos industry for years. “Canada remains one of the largest producers and exporters of asbestos in the world and spends millions of dollars subsidizing the asbestos industry and curbing international efforts to curb its use,” Martin said.

Canada sells most of its asbestos to poorer countries with less strict safety regulations. Currently, the country provides around five percent of the world’s asbestos.

Whether Canada will continue to export its asbestos, and the diseases like mesothelioma that go along with it, remains to be seen.

Cappolino Dodd Krebs – mesothelioma attorneys