Saskatchewan has passed a law that will establish Canada’s first mandatory asbestos registry for public buildings.

The law was introduced by NDP MLA Cam Broten in November, but passed with all-party support. It is commonly referred to as “Howard’s Law,” in memory of Howard Willems, an inspector with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency who died from asbestos mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer he contracted while on the job. Willems had become a tireless advocate for a mandatory asbestos registry for public buildings.

Willems’ union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, was at the forefront of the campaign for Howard’s Law.

The law will cover buildings owned by the provincial government, health regions, school boards and Crown corporations.

Read more about Howard’s Law in the Regina Leader-Post.