REGINA – A national award for a Saskatchewan man who fought until his death against asbestos exposure was accepted on his behalf by his wife and stepson Monday morning.
Fifty-nine-year-old Howard Willems from Saskatoon passed away several months ago from a rare form of cancer.
“To have this presentation today for the first time ever, it’s really overwhelming,” said Jesse Todd, Willems’ stepson.
Willems passed away last November after a long battle with mesothelioma, which is caused by inhaling asbestos. He was regularly exposed to asbestos as a building inspector with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Todd currently works at the agency and says he’s concerned about his health.
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“I think about it every day; it’s always in the back of my mind and I try to help my co-workers be aware of their surroundings,” Todd said.
“About 4200 Saskatchewan people have been exposed to asbestos, sometimes it can take 10 or 20 years before that turns into a cancer,” said Donna Pasiechnik from the Canadian Cancer Society.
Willems advocated right up until his death for a mandatory registry of all public buildings that contain asbestos. Now he is the single recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Impact Award for Leadership in Public Policy.
“He single-handedly raised the issue, raised awareness, and that will protect people, just that people are aware of it,” said Pasiechnik.
But awareness is not enough. A private member’s bill known as ‘Howard’s Law’ has been introduced in the legislature. Minister Don Morgan wouldn’t make a commitment to adopt the law, but he did thank the Willems family for their advocacy.
“I met with Howard Willems before he passed on a couple of occasions and I’ve met with his family since, and I think what they’re doing is very worthwhile, they’re raising awareness. And it’s interesting and worthwhile the information that’s come out of the different entities that have buildings,” said Morgan.
Willems’ family says the vote on Howard’s Law will be presented this Thursday in the legislature. A voluntary registry already exists as a result of Willems’ advocacy, but they say it’s incomplete. If the law doesn’t pass, they say they won’t be discouraged – and they won’t give up.
“It’s always been Howard’s motto to say never quit and we’ll never quit,” said Todd.
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