Workplace Drug & Alcohol Policies

Reluctant to Introduce Random Testing?

May 23, 2019
Susan Kootnekoff
DRUGS, ALCOHOL & WORK

Are you an employer with workers who may perform safety sensitive activities, but without a drug and alcohol policy and testing regime in place? Do you work with one or more colleagues who may perform safety sensitive activities? If so, and...

Public Transit Safety

January 25, 2019
Susan Kootnekoff

In Ottawa about two weeks ago, a double decker public transit bus crashed into a bus shelter. Three people died and 23 others were injured. As this news broke, I couldn’t help but think of the TTC, the Toronto Transit Corporation,...

Action, Following Broncos’ Deaths

January 9, 2019
Susan Kootnekoff

Many Canadians, myself included, have friends or family members who have died, or been seriously injured, in highway collisions with semis. Yesterday morning, in a provincial court in my home province of Saskatchewan, the driver of the semi that collided with...

Ringing in the New Year, with Random Drug and Alcohol Testing

December 14, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

Random drug and alcohol testing. The union fought it, vigorously, for years. The squabble had Suncor and the union in and out of court a number of times, over the course of several years. Then, late last month, an important agreement was...

‘Tis the Season (to Not be Liable)

December 7, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is upon us. 'Tis the season for host liability. Workplace holiday party season is in full swing. Employers, ensure your guests know that you will provide a safe way home. Those attending, know your...

Criminal Code Westray Provisions: R. v. Metron (Part 2 of 2)

November 9, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

Last week, we looked at the 1992 Westray mine disaster, and the subsequent amendments to the Criminal Code regarding workplace safety. The intent underlying the Westray provisions was to facilitate prosecuting corporate criminal negligence for workplace disasters. One tragic case in which...

Medical Marijuana & Work – Know Your Rights

October 21, 2018
Inspire Law
Prescription for Medical Marijuana on a desktop.

Do you use medicinal cannabis, to manage a medical condition? Are you an employer with an employee that uses medicinal cannabis? Do you wonder what your rights are? It is not as simple as an employee providing a doctor’s note, and then expecting...

Legalization of Cannabis: Do You Care?

September 21, 2018
Inspire Law

When you hear about cannabis legalization, do you mutter “I don't care?” The stereotype would have us expect that this mindset may be more prevalent in British Columbia than elsewhere. We have a Prime Minister who is delivering on an election promise...