Ottawa, Ontario Canada’s auto recyclers, through the automotive Recyclers Of canada(ARC), have been calling for a ban on asbestos imports for some time. Recently, a private member’s bill has been brought forward for consideration that would effectively end the importation of asbestos containing products.

“As we follow the recent movement to stop the importation of asbestos into Canada, AIA Canada continues to acknowledge worker safety as a priority for AIA’s members and towards an asbestos-free automotive industry,” says Jean-Francois Champagne, President of AIA Canada.

Asbestos brake pads are not currently in use by any OEMs, but aftermarket brake pads are still one of the largest categories of asbestos containing products imported into the country. In the last 10 years, Canada has imported more than $100 million in asbestos brake pads and linings.

According to AIA Canada, more than 2,000 people die every year in Canada from diseases caused by exposure to asbestos, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure is the number one cause of occupational death in Canada, and since 1996, asbestos-related diseases have account for about a third of the workplace deaths recognized by worker’s compensation boards.