Asbestos Legislation

Some Canadian residents are upset that Conservative MP and orthopedic surgeon Kellie Leitch has remained silent on the issues of asbestos, even as it is a well-established fact that exposure to the substance can be deadly.

The Canadian government - and the Conservative Party in particular - has been unwilling to list asbestos as a hazardous substance, so that it can continue to export the carcinogen to developing countries. However, it has been proven for decades that exposure to asbestos causes malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Heidi von Palleske, a Canadian resident, wrote to Leitch in August about how both her parents were killed from asbestos diseases, according to Simcoe.com.

"Chrysotile, the same as what's being mined in Quebec to this day, murdered both of my parents," Palleske told the news source. "About all I ever do is think about asbestos - day in and day out."

The news source reports that Palleske has yet to hear a reply from either Leitch or a member of her staff.

In August, more than 200 doctors wrote to Leitch imploring her to speak out against the asbestos industry.