SURREY – Today’s Marijuana Legalization Legislation tabled today by the Canadian government needs to include a focus on business. Earlier this year the Surrey Board of Trade released a government advocacy policy that focuses on workplace concerns in the advent of marijuana legalization.
“The federal government needs to engage both small and large businesses before marijuana is legalized to ensure that our workplaces are ready with the right supports and education as it relates to employment standards and workplace safety. Right now, the Surrey Board of Trade sees little consideration for workplace concerns or potential solutions for workplaces,” said CEO Anita Huberman.
It is very difficult for employers and employees to determine what constitutes impairment, or harm to others, or even the extent of accommodation (in the case of medical marijuana) up to “point of undue hardship,” as indicated in the Canadian Human Rights code.
“We need clarification of these terms for the sake of both employers and employees to facilitate good and productive working environments,” said Huberman. “And we need consistency in regulations across Canada to avoid confusion and misunderstandings in applying any accommodations or workplace policies regarding marijuana usage. Education and communication are a necessity in such a ground breaking legislation. The world is watching how we are doing this. We need to do this right.”
The Surrey Board of Trade’s policy recommends to the Canadian Government include:
1. A regulatory authority should be identified where employers and employees can rely on for consistent information, updated regulations, and standardized forms and templates that are legally vetted be sound
2. Devise a standardized medical marijuana and/or cannabinoid form which would include frequency of usage, anticipated impairment of the employee while taking medical marijuana
For the full policy go to https://businessinsurrey.com/policy/workforce-development/
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For more information, contact Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade 604.340.3899
