March 22nd, 2007

According to new regulations that have been introduced by the Conservative government in Canada, asbestos can be used in products intended for learning or play by a child. Canada is the largest user and exporter of asbestos and the new federal regulations have created outrage and shock.

Asbestos is a substance that was once used in many applications and by many different industries because it was highly heat and fire resistant, as well as being cost effective. However, in the 1980s is was found that exposure to asbestos could cause a variety of health problems, including a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Members from another party, the NDP, were outraged. One member stated: 'You would have to be crazy to put asbestos in children's toys. It's sort of like putting razor blades into children's apples at Halloween time.' He added: 'The rest of the world is banning asbestos in all its forms and Canada is actively seeking out new markets and applications. It defies reason.'

Another said: 'What's even more absurd is that the Canadian government is spending a fortune subsidising and promoting this deadly material.'