Canada Prime Minister defends asbestos exports

April 27th, 2011 - 11:25 pm ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt  

Toronto, April 27 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Canadian Prime Minister is not convinced that the country is doing anything wrong by exporting asbestos. Asbestos has been linked with serious health risks including cancer and has subsequently been banned in several countries.

Stephen Harper says Canada cannot be faulted as long as other countries allow the mineral to be brought to their country legally. The Prime Minister was speaking during a campaign at Quebec on Tuesday. The remarks by the Prime Minister drew applause from the crowd of about 125 people who had gathered there.

There is going to be a general election in the North American country on the 2nd of May.

Canada is a major exporter of asbestos. The country’s asbestos mining companies have suffered setback due to price competition from other countries. Canada has ordered the removal of the material from all its public buildings. The Prime Minister believes that as long as other countries export the material, Canada can also do the same.

Harper said that, “Canada is one of a number of exporters of chrysotile, and there are many countries where it is legal.”

The polls opens on Monday and the campaign in Quebec may be the last one for the Prime Minister.

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