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CUPE and comedian who lost grandfather support UN vote to ban asbestos.

VANCOUVER - The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has endorsed the CanadaCausesCancer.ca campaign launched late last week by a group of young Canadian comedians. The campaign calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to support the United Nations vote on June 20 to include chrysotile asbestos on a list of hazardous substances or to have the substance re-installed in his home.

“In six days, the Harper government has the historic opportunity to be a leader in protecting worker’s health and safety, both at home and internationally,” says Paul Moist, CUPE national president. “Through the Canada Causes Cancer campaign we hope all Canadians will take a stand and tell our politicians that they must vote to support the ban on chrysotile asbestos once and for all.”

The campaign is being promoted through a series of comedy videos spoofing home renovation TV shows and features a pair of hosts demonstrating various ways that asbestos could “spruce up” 24 Sussex Drive.

Ironically, the Canadian government recently undertook a multi-million dollar project to remove asbestos from the Prime Minister’s residence and Parliament buildings.

“Mr. Harper’s stance on asbestos is morally bankrupt.

Hypocrisy this blatant would be hilarious if it weren’t also deadly,” says Sean Devlin, one of the comedians responsible for the campaign.

In one of the comedy videos promoting the campaign, redecorating host “Crystal Tile” showcases a product she has created to protect young children from fires - a full body jumper made of asbestos. Lauren Cochrane, the comedian who plays “Crystal” has a personal connection to the issue. Her grandfather, a former plumber, died of asbestosis, which is a respiratory disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

For more information, please contact:

Sean Devlin
media@canadacausescancer.ca
778.321.7306

Anthony Pizzino, Director of Research, CUPE
apizzino@cupe.ca
 613.237.1590