Whereas: - asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work related deaths in BC; - WorkSafe BC found 43 per cent of all hazardous material surveys done by contractors renovating or demolishing homes were inadequate; - WorkSafe BC lacks the tools for enforcement and monitoring of existing hazardous material regulations; - there is currently no provincial certification or licensing in BC of asbestos abatement professionals to ensure standards and allow for the suspension of non-compliant contractors; and - mandatory provincial certification and licensing of demolition and environmental remediation contractors would allow local governments in BC to require these licenses from contractors as a condition for issuing demolition and renovation permits: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government require mandatory licensing, certification and enforceable compliance in safely handling asbestos and other hazardous material for all demolition, renovation and environmental remediation contractors.
Ministry of Labour Asbestos safety is a matter of significant concern to the Government of British Columbia. Given the dangerous nature of asbestos, the safe use, handling, abatement and disposal of asbestos-containing materials is important form several perspectives. This includes worker safety, safety during home and apartment renovations, consumer and public awareness, and environmental protection. The Ministry of Labour is actively engaged with other provincial ministries and agencies that have important roles in ensuring the safe management of asbestos. Specifically, a cross-ministry Asbestos Working Group is working to ensure that British Columbians and our environment are adequately protected from the dangers of asbestos. This Working Group is chaired by the Ministry of Labour, and it includes senior officials from the ministries responsible for environment, housing, health and local government issues, along with WorkSafe BC. In Fall 2017, the Working Group consulted with stakeholders and organizations to see their ideas regarding the safe management of asbestos. The question of whether the provinces should require mandatory licensing and certification formed part of these consultations. The Working Group expects to report out to the Minister of Labour with the results of its consultations and its recommendations by early 2018.