Will There Be Any Changes to Asbestos Policies in Canada in 2025?

We can never know for certain, but it is unlikely that any asbestos policies will change in Canada in 2025. This is because in the recent past, several new rules and regulations have taken effect, and these policy changes—as usual—were years in the making. In our blog below, we will review what the most recent changes are. 

January 1, 2024 

New rules came into effect governing the removal, transportation, and disposal of asbestos in British Columbia. Starting at that date asbestos contractors not only have to be licensed to operate in BC, but those performing asbestos abatement have to complete required safety training complete with certifications. 

April 1, 2024

The new Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) standard took effect in April of last year, replacing the PSPC Asbestos Management Standard from 2019. This is a Canada-wide standard on asbestos management. 

The purpose of the standard is to have rules across Canada that are the same regarding how asbestos is to be managed and/or abated in buildings. 

Let us take a moment to review that asbestos is the cause of many medical illnesses in humans. In the past, more than 40 years ago, asbestos was routinely used in various building materials because it was effective, cheap, and fire retardant. 

Now that we know the problems posed by asbestos, it is no longer routinely used in building materials, and there are more and more regulations governing how it is to be handled in older buildings when asbestos needs to be addressed or removed. It is considered a hazardous waste for everyone who may come in contact with it. 

Hazardous materials abatement is our business, and we are available to help you if you need an experienced decontamination company. We are licensed in BC to handle, manage, remove, and dispose of many hazardous materials including lead. We can be reached toll-free in Surrey, BC at (888) 296-2499.

Enviro-Vac is one of the oldest privately owned environmental contractors in Canada. They offer full suite of services in hazardous materials abatement and decontamination including shrink- wrap containments and are available to work both small and large- scale projects across Canada. The head office is based in Surrey, BC. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about hazardous materials abatement, decontamination or shrink-wrap solutions, please call us on our toll-free number, (888) 296-2499.