Consider workplace safety in legalized marijuana rules, groups urge
NEWS Nov 04, 2017 by Gemma Karstens-Smith The Canadian Press Hamilton Spectator
The BC Trucking Association, meanwhile, is asking for a “legalized framework” for random drug and alcohol testing. – Ron Ward,The Canadian Press
VANCOUVER – New rules for legalized marijuana need to consider the impact on workplaces and clarify the rights of both employers and employees, say some business groups.
Ottawa has set July 1 as the deadline for regulations to be in place and many provinces and territories are still working to craft legislation, including British Columbia, where a public consultation on legal pot wrapped up this week.
Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, said large and small companies need guidance from the provincial and federal governments on how they should balance employee privacy with safety in the workplace.
“For any employer, what are their rights and responsibilities in the face of an employee who is under the influence of cannabis?” she said.
“How is an employer supposed to be able to deal with that type of situation without compromising their business and their workplace?”
Huberman said the board of trade wants to see the provincial Employment Standards Act amended to specifically address marijuana usage. For more UNSAFE WORKPLACE