The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is urging the federal government to enhance air quality testing at the Guy-Favreau complex in Montreal after learning that two former public servants who worked in the building were diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses.
Union raises concerns
The AJC, which represents approximately 3,500 federal government lawyers, reported that it was notified of the first case on March 24 and the second on May 13. The union has not disclosed the specific health conditions linked to asbestos exposure, citing medical privacy.
Vivian Funk, vice-president of health and safety at the AJC, expressed concern for current employees. “Now we’ve got two cases from this building, so I think our members are rightfully concerned,” she said.
Government response
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), which manages the complex, did not respond to questions from the Ottawa Citizen by deadline. However, PSPC has previously stated that the building is safe and that recent air quality tests detected no asbestos fibers. In a May 13 email viewed by the Ottawa Citizen, employees were assured that no link between the second diagnosis and the building has been established, and a routine investigation under the Canada Labour Code is underway.
Health risks of asbestos
Before 1990, asbestos was commonly used for insulation and fireproofing. When microscopic asbestos fibers are disturbed and inhaled, they can cause lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and peritoneal mesothelioma. “Scientists have not yet identified a level of exposure to asbestos below which there is no risk for future disease,” said Norman King, scientific advisor for the Québec Association for Asbestos Workers.
Asbestos has an average latency period of 20 to 30 years, meaning illnesses may appear decades after exposure. King noted that asbestos in buildings is not a risk if walls are well-maintained and the material remains undisturbed. However, he urged the government to transparently communicate its air quality testing and prevention measures to alleviate concerns.
King emphasized that an illness linked to past exposure does not necessarily indicate a current health risk in the building.
