Asbestos Regulation

Protecting Workers from Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is still killing workers in Manitoba.

Between 2013 and 2023, 71 Manitobans lost their lives due to workplace asbestos exposure. It remains the leading cause of occupational fatalities in our province—and the risks are growing as we retrofit our aging buildings for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Manitoba Building Trades is calling on the Government of Manitoba to introduce stronger laws, better enforcement, and mandatory licensing requirements for asbestos removal. The current system is failing to protect workers. While provinces like British Columbia have made major strides to regulate this dangerous work, Manitoba is falling behind.

The Danger is Real

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until it was formally banned in 2018. It’s still found in many buildings across the province—especially those built before 1990. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air that can cause serious and often fatal diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Tradespeople who work in older buildings—especially those involved in retrofits, renovations, or green upgrades—are at high risk of exposure. Many of our members have already been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. Some have lost their lives. Others are still waiting for justice.

We Need Action Now

That’s why the Manitoba Building Trades Council passed a resolution to actively lobby for:

• Stronger regulation and licensing of asbestos abatement contractors
  
• Mandatory training and certification for all workers involved in asbestos removal
  
• Real penalties for contractors who knowingly put workers at risk
  

The current fine for exposing a worker to asbestos in Manitoba is just $2,500. That’s not protection—that’s negligence.

We welcome the recent commitment by the Government of Manitoba to improve asbestos removal standards. But much more must be done. Workers deserve safe job sites, clear rules, and real accountability.

Our Commitment

Manitoba Building Trades is ready to work with government, industry, and labour partners to develop a modern regulatory framework that puts worker safety first. We are also committed to training the next generation of skilled workers in safe, certified asbestos abatement practices through our affiliated training centres.

When it comes to asbestos, the time for half-measures is over. Let’s fix this—before more lives are lost.