Chamber sounds alarm over cannabis in workplace

The rights of people to use cannabis cannot be at the expense of safe work environments, warns the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

“Many businesses and industry groups have told us that marijuana use is completely incompatible with safety-sensitive workplaces,” chamber president Janet Riopel said in a Monday news release that also suggests legalization should be put on hold for two years so related workplace safety issues can be addressed.

Riopel’s comments come as the federal government moves closer to introducing legislation that will legalize recreational cannabis. While employers have a legal obligation to accommodate an employee’s legitimate medical need, including the use of medical cannabis, employers don’t have to accommodate recreational cannabis use, stressed Riopel.

“The introduction of legal cannabis is potentially a huge economic opportunity,” added Riopel. “We believe that if legalization is undertaken thoughtfully, the economic benefits can be realized while limiting the risks to employers and workers.”

The chamber is hoping both the federal and provincial governments will heed several recommendations it has drawn up, including:

Creating a standard test to detect ■ marijuana impairment, with legal limits for both traffic safety and workplace safety prior to the legalization of cannabis.

Educating employers about their ■ rights and responsibilities related to cannabis use.

Encouraging the adoption of ■ workplace drug and alcohol policies.

Waiting two years to legalize ■ cannabis to thoroughly address workplace safety issues.