There is little doubt cannabis is a hot topic among Canadian carriers weeks before official legalization takes effect on Oct. 17.
Dozens of carrier HR and operations staff attended an OTA-hosted seminar this week designed to help member carriers draft and implement Drug and Alcohol Policies in their workplace.
Experts were on hand to help carriers understand their rights and responsibilities, including Barb Butler, of Barb Butler & Associates, Connor Page of Driver Check, and Paul Gardiner, Essential Organizational Services.
As part of the seminar, participants received a sample policy and were provided instruction on how they could implement something similar in their workplace.
“While there are still many unknowns at this point when it comes to legalization, making sure your policy is adequate and up to date remains one of the best ways a company can help itself prepare.” said Jonathan Blackham OTA director, policy & public affairs. “Although Drug and Alcohol policies go beyond just dealing with cannabis, with a month to go before legalization, no doubt this is an opportune time to have a look at this in your workplace.”
High level guidance materials developed by the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) are also available through the OTA for member carriers upon request.