Ottawa, March 24, 2026 – On March 24, 2026, the Association of Justice Counsel was informed by the Employer that the Commission des normes, de l’équite, de la santé et de la sécurite du travail (CNESST) has identified that an asbestos exposure at the Guy-Favreau Complex in Montreal is related to a serious health condition affecting a Justice employee who worked in the Complex. 

AJC members with Justice, the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada work in the Guy-Favreau Complex. 

As required by the Canada Labour Code, an investigation is underway. Local health and safety committees have been advised and will participate in the investigation.

Members have a right to a safe, healthy workplace – and your union has taken immediate steps to ensure the employer is accountable. We have requested information on an urgent basis to understand key facts relating to asbestos and safety at the Guy-Favreau Complex, as well as the overall circumstances that led to the CNESST’s determination. 

Your union’s focus remains on members’ health and safety. Information will be shared as soon as possible, and we will continue to advocate for strong measures to make federal workplaces safe and sanitary. 

This may be a stressful time for AJC members who work in the Guy-Favreau Complex. If you have specific concerns about health and safety conditions in your workplace, or if you require accommodation to work from home due to the unfolding situation at Guy-Favreau, contact your union today. Members may also reach out to their local health and safety committee and occupational health and safety programs.


What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals historically used to make certain products durable and fire-resistant. 

Asbestos products were used in Canada prior to 1990 for fireproofing and to insulate commercial buildings and homes against cold weather and noise. Today, asbestos can still be found in older building materials such as insulation, siding and roofing products, floor and ceiling tiles, cement and plaster, or in industrial furnaces and heating systems. 

How does exposure occur?

Over time, asbestos fibres can become brittle, flake and deteriorate. Asbestos fibres can become airborne if an asbestos product has been exposed to water and disturbed, subjected to abrasive procedures such as sanding or scraping, or during improper maintenance or removal processes such as during renovations. Asbestos exposure can occur if containment or abatement measures are inadequate. 

Asbestos fibres that become airborne are microscopic, barbed particles. They can embed and remain deep in lung tissue and other internal organs. 

What can asbestos exposure cause?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos as a known carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos fibres is the main route of occupational exposure to asbestos. There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres. Health effects can take decades to develop after exposure. 

Exposure can lead to:

  • Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer affecting the protective lining of internal organs
  • Lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancer
  • Asbestosis, or scar tissue in the lungs

Industries with the largest number of exposed workers in Canada include building construction and trades, electricians, and automotive repair and maintenance.

 

ABOUT THE AJC

The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is the union defending Canada’s legal team. Our 3,500+ members are Federal Crown Counsel and articling students employed by the Government of Canada in the Department of Justice, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and in various federal agencies, tribunals and courts across Canada.


MEDIA CONTACT

The Communications Department 
Association of Justice Counsel 
300–2725 Queensview Drive 
Ottawa, ON, Canada 
K2B 0A1
Phone: (613) 798-9900 
Toll-Free: (866) 218-3310 
Fax: (613) 564-0606 
Email: admin@ajc-ajj.ca


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