Asbestos-related diseases are the number one occupational killer in Canada. AREA Fund was created by the Ford Family in 2010 to provide a funding source for the wide variety of asbestos-related research, education, and advocacy projects that individuals and organizations are undertaking in Canada. To this end, AREA Fund ran letter writing campaigns and hosted awareness events to raise funds for, and awareness of, asbestos-related diseases. Thanks to generosity of donors and sponsors, AREA Fund has received more than $100,000 to date! Click here to learn more about AREA Fund.
Vancouver Foundation was selected as the community organization within which to establish AREA Fund, due to its excellent reputation. Vancouver Foundation is Canada’s largest community foundation helping people and organizations give back to communities since 1943.
Asbestos Ban Regulations passed by the Canadian Government!
On October 18, 2018 the Canadian government passed regulations to ban asbestos. The use of asbestos and asbestos containing products will no longer be permitted in Canada as of December 30, 2018. Canada now joins over 55 countries that have banned the use of asbestos. This regulation, supported very widely in Canada, is an essential step to stop asbestos exposure and protect health of workers and the public. Learn more - visit the Canadian Environmental Law Association website.
Asbestos Awareness for Homeowners - WorkSafeBC Campaign
WorkSafeBC has launched an awareness campaign targeted to home property owners who are considering or undertaking renovations or demolitions regarding the dangers of asbestos in homes built before 1990. This campaign is a further step to build briad awareness that asbestos-containing materials are deadly. As part of this campaign WorkSafeBC has created a new web page ThinkAsbestos.com.
Ottawa Awarded iMig 2018 International Conference
iMig is an independent international group of scientists and clinicians working to understand, cure and prevent mesothelioma. The bi-annual Conferences provide an ideal forum to stimulate ideas and establish collaborations, as well as to initiate intense discussions. Extended networking opportunities foster communications between delegates. Click here for information from past meetings.
Please Give!
Click here to make a secure online donation, or if you prefer to send a cheque, please make it payable to Vancouver Foundation (write "AREA Endowment Fund" in the memo line) and mail it to:
AREA Endowment Fund
c/o Vancouver Foundation
Suite 200 - 475 West Georgia St
Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 4M9
AREA Fund's Mission - To raise funds for asbestos-related research, education and advocacy projects, and to raise awareness of the devastating effects of asbestos use.
History of Asbestos - BC Labour Heritage Centre
The story of asbestos use in BC and the price workers and their families have paid in disease and death.
"Walk for Truth" - WorkSafeBC
AREA Fund's annual walk raises funds for asbestos-related projects and raises awareness of the hazards of asbestos - Canada's #1 occupational killer.
AREA Fund & Its Annual Charity Walk - Shaw TV
AREA Fund was created by the Ford family after losing a loved one to mesothelioma. They created AREA Fund and host an annual charity walk in Powell River, BC.
hiddenkiller.ca - WorkSafeBC's Asbestos Website
Asbestos videos, FAQs for homeowners, what to do if you're exposed, where asbestos can be found, etc.
Rick's Rant on Asbestos - Rick Mercer Report
Rick rants against the evils of exporting asbestos to the third world. "If you breath it you will die - it's not a matter of if, but when."
Canadian Environmental Health Atlas
Check out the asbestos history page of the online open-access atlas.