To ALL Bethany Employees, Contractors and Volunteers:
For many of you October 17, 2018 will be just another day, but for many it’s the day that Canadians can legally buy, grow, and use cannabis as outlined in the applicable laws without fear of criminalization. To align with legalization, Bethany Care Society has updated its Alcohol and Drug Policy in anticipation of this change and to address the potential implications that this law could have on our workplace.
Recreational cannabis will be treated like alcohol in our workplaces. While on Bethany Care Society premises, employees, contractors and volunteers may not use, possess, distribute, sell or be under the influence of alcohol and/or recreational cannabis. With cannabis legalization, it’s important to outline the expectations of all Bethany employees, contractors and volunteers. Specifically:
- Bethany employees, contractors and volunteers are expected to arrive fit for work and remain fit during their shift.
- Illicit drugs and recreational cannabis must not be consumed by anyone while at work or at a time prior to reporting for work where the ongoing and/or residual effects may remain.
- Recreational cannabis is prohibited from use during any site events and/or celebrations.
It is important to Bethany to ensure employees are fit for work and have the ability to seek help when they need it. We remind all employees that support is available through our Employee Family Assistance Program and to feel comfortable approaching your supervisor if you are struggling and/or need assistance. Please take the time to review the updated Alcohol and Drug Policy on PolicyTech and reach out to your supervisor should you have any specific questions or concerns relating to the policy.
Bethany is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees, contractors, and volunteers. To assist employees and our leaders, we will be developing further guidelines and a subsequent FAQ document to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Human Resources will be developing educational materials for employees and leaders on cannabis legalization and our respective policy. If you have any specific questions or concerns in the interim, please contact Lesley MacKinnon, Bethany’s Safety Manager at Lesley.mackinnon@bethanyseniors.com.
Please note that information will be forthcoming on the implications of the new legislation as it applies to those residents and tenants who call Bethany “home”.
Jennifer McCue
President and CEO
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