It seems no one is troubled that the Harper government — pushed somewhat by newly-elected separatist minority in Quebec — has decided to close down the province’s asbestos mining.
But why are we doing this? We are doing this, primarily, because developing countries seeking the mineral either cannot read the warning label, or choose not to read the warning label.
So we have to nanny them.
Used properly, asbestos is a great product — just like many of the toxic chemicals Canada produces each year and ships around the world.
Those who say it is hypocritical for Canada to export asbestos while the same product is being removed from Parliament Hill at the cost of millions tend to forget it was installed so long ago that the precautions of today had yet to be invented.
Then again, there is hypocrisy everywhere we turn, isn’t there? It’s part of the genetics of politics.
Asbestos production in Canada isn’t that big of an earner, it being something around $100 million a year.
But tobacco, now that’s another story. Big money and big taxation proceeds.
Apparently it also causes cancer, too — like asbestos.
Except it kills millions and millions more.
Categories: General