The Surrey Board of Trade has released a support guide to help Surrey employers manage cannabis in the workplace.
“What is missing from the consultation and conversation on cannabis are workplace related issues and how the employer/employee will be impacted. This Employer Support Guide and supporting Sample Workplace Substance Management Policy is only part of Phase 1 to help businesses as cannabis becomes legalized later this year,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
“Drug impairment on the job is a complex challenge for employers at the best of times. With the pending legalization by the Federal government of recreational cannabis usage, employers will need to review what they know and what they need to know to be prepared.”
“Our objective is to inform employers and provide them with clarity and a foundation as they manage both the health and safety risks as well as the accommodation requirements related to both medical and recreational cannabis.”
The Surrey Board of Trade has been participating actively in the dialogue leading up to legalization of cannabis, specific to the missing piece of workplace impacts.
Further the Surrey Board of Trade submitted their feedback to the BC and Federal Government through the consultation period for how to regulate certain aspects of cannabis such as distribution, retail and a range of other matters. In April 2017, the Government of Canada introduced the Cannabis Act and amendments to the Criminal Code to address cannabis impaired driving with plans to make non-medical cannabis legal in Canada by July 2018.
INCLUDED IN THE EMPLOYER SUPPORT GUIDE:
1. Employer considerations
2. How to develop a workplace policy
3. Accommodation considerations for both medical cannabis and recreational cannabis
4. Also included is a Workplace Substance Management Policy that businesses can utilize as part of their overall Human Resources Policy
The Surrey Board of Trade does recommend that legal advice for Human Resource policies is necessary to ensure compliance.
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For more information, contact: Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade – 604-340-3899
About the Surrey Board of Trade: The Surrey Board of Trade is comprised of 6,000 business contacts, representing over 2,500 businesses and 60,000 employees. They attract business to Surrey and supports business in Surrey. The Surrey Board of Trade provides businesses and organizations with economic opportunity, workplace development, education, international trade, government advocacy and business connections.
