Chrysotile asbestos stays off global dangerous-substance list - Source: CBC News
The world's second-largest chrysotile producer, Canada, was the only Western democracy that opposed adding it to the list during the last round of talks in 2006.
NDP MP Pat Martin said Tuesday the Canadian delegation did not even participate in the discussions this year but got others to work on their behalf instead.
He accused the Canadians of browbeating developing nations such as India, Pakistan and Vietnam - some of Canada's largest chrysotile customers - into opposing its inclusion on the list.
'It's not a proud day for our country,' said Martin, who attended the convention and spoke by telephone from Rome.
Representatives from about 120 countries were to attend the convention. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization had said it expected many would oppose the inclusion of chrysotile on the list, which includes toxins and carcinogens such as DDT and PCBs.