In the last years of his life, Howard Willems advocated for governments to create lists of buildings that contain asbestos. (CBC)

Health groups and the family of a Saskatoon man who died from an asbestos-related cancer want a mandatory registry of public buildings with the material.

The Saskatchewan Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Lung Association of Saskatchewan have started an online petition to support a private member's bill dubbed Howard's Law.

The bill, named for the late building inspector Howard Willems, would make the reporting of asbestos in public buildings mandatory.

The province said last fall that it would provide lists of government buildings that contain asbestos.

But the groups say that doesn't go far enough because it's not mandatory for public buildings, such as schools or hospitals, to register.

Members of the legislature are expected to vote on the bill in the coming weeks.

Asbestos is typically found in building materials such as insulation. It is not considered harmful if undisturbed, but renovations or construction work stirs up hazardous fibres that can be inhaled.

Prior to his death, Willems argued that people should know if they're going into buildings that have asbestos — especially if construction is being done.

"We lost our stepdad because he didn't know there was asbestos in the buildings he inspected," Jesse Todd, a stepson of Willems and spokesman for the Saskatchewan Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

"If he had known, he would have taken the necessary steps to protect himself and would still be with us today. He dedicated the last two years of his life trying to save others from suffering the same fate as he did and we're determined to carry on Howard's fight."