British Columbia is set to become the first province to require contractors that handle or do asbestos remediation work to be licensed with the government.

The first of its kind legislation in Canada will also require that workers be trained and certified.

WorkSafeBC says the legislation is aimed at mitigating the threat of asbestos exposure, which the province says is the leading cause of death for workers in British Columbia.

Mary Lovelace, WorkSafeBC’s Director of Prevention Services and Credentialling joined NL Newsday to discuss the impending legislation and what it means for companies and workers.

For more on asbestos training, certification, and licensing in British Columbia, go here.