Celgar - Asbestos Claims

Peter & Michelle,
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Brian Hiebert forwarded to me Peter's questions regarding the risk of
asbestos litigation at Celgar.
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Under the Workers Compensation Act, employers in British Columbia are
required to contribute to an accident fund which provides compensation for
injuries or occupational diseases arising out of employment. In turn,?the
Act?provides employers statutory immunity from?damages in respect of any
personal injury, disablement or death arising out of and in the course of
employment.
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The accident fund would cover asbestos claims. There are no exceptions?which
would allow asbestos litigation?against employers. The Act does?not
prohibit?litigation against third parties, eg. manufacturers of asbestos,
but employers, as stated, are immune from such actions.
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Compensation is payable if the worker sustains pulmonary injury by a
disabling form of asbestosis. We will make the appropriate enquires about
any compensation paid to Celgar employees.
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