More Canadian Jails to Be Tested for Asbestos
Nova Scotia’s Justice Minister, Cecil Clark, has announced that two more correctional facilities in the province will be tested for the presence of asbestos. Clark was prompted to order the testing after the hazardous mineral was found at the Cape Breton Correctional Facility last week.
Precautionary tests will be conducted at the Antigonish and Cumberland County jails, Clark announced yesterday. During the announcement, Clark defended the way his department responded to the discovery of asbestos at the Cape Breton facility, even though guards claim they were not told immediately about the presence of the known carcinogen.
Once tests confirmed that asbestos was present, a union-management committee was informed, Clarke said in an interview aired on CBC News.
“All of the normal processes were followed. It isn’t about trying to strike hysteria within an institution, it’s about getting the facts,” he explained.
However, local politicians think Clark disregarded the safety and health of both prisoners and prison workers.
“There is absolutely no wonder that there’s distrust between the correctional officers and the Department of Justice. This is another example of something that’s been very badly handled,” said provincial official Bill Estabrooks.
“In no way, shape or form will we not do what’s necessary to [maintain] the safety of people within that facility,” Clark countered.
As Clark awaits testing results for the Cape Breton jail, the Department of Labour is looking into whether correctional officials broke any rules following the discovery of asbestos at the prison.
Labour Minister Mark Parent said the occupational health and safety division is examining the timing of when information was passed on to the union.
“Immediately would mean immediately. I mean, that’s what the policy is and we informed the Department of Justice that they had to adhere to it,” Parent said.
