The legalization of cannabis has heightened concern and awareness around impairment in the workplace. Legalization has certainly made cannabis more accessible. However, it is still generally understood that it is inappropriate to report to work impaired unless an employee is part of an agreed accommodation arrangement where some level of impairment is permitted, or the […]
As a result of the Cannabis Act, cannabis was legalized on October 17, 2018. Prior to that, cannabis was regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. There was, however, a legal exemption for the medical use of cannabis. Despite the recent legalization of cannabis, a framework for access to cannabis for medical purposes still exists, but under new regulations passed under the authority of the Cannabis Act.
In a closely watched decision, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (the “Court”) recently upheld an arbitration decision that endorsed an employer’s decision to refuse employment on the basis of an individual’s medical cannabis use. In International Brotherhood Lower Churchill Transmission Construction Employers’ Assn. Inc. v IBEW, Local 1620 (Tizzard), Re, 2018 CarswellNfld 198, […]
The legalization of cannabis has been set for October 17, 2018. This transformation will have a significant impact on employers as well as the general public, and yet for many, the impending legalization is shrouded in uncertainty.
As the highly anticipated day of cannabis legalization in Canada draws near, Prince Edward Island municipalities must acknowledge and prepare for the challenges coming their way.
Weed vendors and consumers will soon be legal in Nova Scotia and we wonder if municipalities are ready.
The grievor was employed by Magna Services Limited as a millwright on a “call in” basis on the Terra Nova offshore petroleum production platform. His employment was terminated for non-compliance with the employer’s Drug and Alcohol Policy (the “Policy”) when a small amount of marijuana was found in the pocket of his jeans during a screening prior to boarding a helicopter for transport to the offshore Terra Nova platform.
The imminent legalization of marijuana is causing angst for many employers. Employers are unsure of how the issue can be dealt with in terms of prohibiting use in the workplace and addressing concerns of workplace safety.
1. Workplace Safety If it wasn’t already clear, the wave of allegations that have had swept through the film industry and political sphere have demonstrated that sexual harassment and assault is a serious and prevalent workplace problem in our society. Under occupational health and safety legislation, it is the responsibility of the employer to furnish […]
As the Federal Government recently introduced its legislation to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis, it is clear that legalization is now imminent.