Asbestos is a natural, but deadly, mineral. It has been mined at sites throughout Canada, including British Columbia. The last Canadian asbestos mine closed in 2012.
Canada’s ban on asbestos is relatively recent. In 2019 the Canadian Government instituted a ban with some exceptions.
Asbestos has played a significant role in British Columbia’s work history. There was prolific use of asbestos and products containing asbestos at worksites such as pulp mills, dockyards, hydro stations and commercial construction/renovation projects. Exposures leading to illness and death occurred at numerous worksites in British Columbia including schools and hospitals. Along with other workers throughout the world, workers in British Columbia continue to suffer painful lung diseases such as mesothelioma cancer and carcinoma of the lung caused by this carcinogenic fibre.
Mesothelioma cancer has a particularly long latency period, up to 70 years in some cases. Occupational cancer is currently the leading cause of work related deaths in Canada.
If you would like to explore your legal rights regarding a potential mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit, please reach out to us by clicking on the contact button above.