EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 9, 2016) - Canada's unions are launching two videos this week that were shot in Edmonton as part of a nation-wide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of airborne asbestos.
The videos - released on Facebook and Twitter - were shot on September 10 at the West Edmonton Mall, where, as part of their Fairness Works campaign, unions set up an exhibit using holographic technology.
"The goal is to raise awareness about asbestos - the number one cause of work-related death in Canada - and the urgent need for a comprehensive ban," said Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff.
The videos feature interviews with Edmonton locals including Paul Blinzer, Sandra Azocar and Margaret Corcoran. Blinzer lost his father, an insulator, to cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Azocar lost her father to asbestosis in 2015. Corcoran lost her husband to asbestosis, and because of second-hand exposure, she has now been diagnosed with the same disease.
Asbestos kills more than 2,000 Canadians a year and the cancers it causes cost Canada $1.7 billion annually. Imports to Canada grew from $4.7 million in 2011 to $8.2 million in 2015.
Canada's unions have long worked for a comprehensive ban on the use, import and export of asbestos, and the federal government has said publicly that one is coming.
"We see no reason for any further delay and hope to see their plan to implement a ban as soon as possible."
Contact Information:
please contact:
Kerry Pither
National Director, Communications
613-294-2203
kpither@clc-ctc.ca