Pubdate: Tue, 11 Apr 2017
Source: Metro (Edmonton, CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Edmonton
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4475
Author: Alex Boyd
Page: 6

CHAMBER ASKS FEDS TO DELAY WEED LAWS TILL WORK SAFETY ADDRESSED

With the federal government set to legalize marijuana next summer, the
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is asking the government to hold off
another year in order to address what they say are "substantial"
workplace safety concerns.

In a release Monday President and CEO Janet Riopel said that while
there are "significant economic opportunities" that will come with
legal cannabis, there will be concerns for employers, too.

"Many businesses and industry groups have told us that marijuana use
is completely incompatible with safety-sensitive workplaces," she said.

"The rights of individuals to use cannabis cannot outweigh the rights
of employers to maintain a safe work environment."

She added in the release that while employers have to accommodate
medical marijuana, there is no obligation to accommodate recreational
use.

The Chamber released a set of recommendations for the provincial and
federal government. They're calling for the creation of a standard
test to detect impairment, with legal limits for both traffic and
workplace safety.

Employers all need to be educated about their rights and
responsibilities, and should create workplace drug policies, the
release said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt