New Canmore policy could include drug testing for employees

Canmore is working on a drugs and alcohol policy for civic employees that could include drug testing as the town prepares for the upcoming legalization of marijuana.

It would be the first time Canmore has had specific policy covering impaired workers, said human resources manager Therese Rogers.

"We've covered it currently in our health and safety policy and we just want to make sure employees are clear on expectations and fitness for duty and safety in the workplace," she said.

The proposed policy was presented to council this week.

It says, in part, "workers must report fit for duty and remain fit for duty throughout the work day."

It also says drug testing is allowed if "an employee exhibits behaviour consistent with alcohol or other drug use and is suspected to be unfit for duty."

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Mayor JohnBorrowman says he's in favour of the policy, but he cautions that testing could be a slippery slope.

"Suspicion can be misused or abused I would see that as being a really rare occasion and likely warranted if it should come along," he said.

Employees would only be subject to testing if it's believed there is cause to suspect impairment, Rogers said.

Borrowman says council could revise the policy further down the road if drug testing proves to be problematic.

"It makes good sense to have a drug and alcohol policy," he said. "You have to start thinking about having policies for things that in the past you never needed to have a policy for."

The union that represents town workers in Canmore did not respond to requests for comment.

A vote on the new policy is expected in March.

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