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ARTICLE · 14 FEBRUARY 2018

Legalization Of Marijuana: Managing This New Workplace Reality

Miller Thomson
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With the expected coming into force in July 2018 of Bill C-45, which intends to legalize the recreational use of marijuana...

CanadaEmployment and HR
Claudia Desjardins Belisle
Claudia Desjardins Belisle
Daphnée Beauchamp
Daphnée Beauchamp
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With the expected coming into force in July 2018 of Bill C-45, which intends to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, many employers have expressed concerns about its impact on workplace accidents, absenteeism and performance especially in organizations where workplace health and safety is critical.

Their concerns are not unfounded since, in the eyes of the law, employers are responsible for taking the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of their employees. For their part, employees are responsible for respecting their employer's rules and policies, particularly with regards to the protection of workplace health and safety.

Just as with alcohol and other controlled substances, in exercising their management rights, employers will be able to restrict or prohibit the use of marijuana in the workplace as well as the act of reporting to work under the influence of marijuana.

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