The president of the union representing more than 3,000 Suncor workers says they have prepared to bring the issue of random drug testing back to arbitration if the Supreme Court of Canada does not hear their case. The comments came after the Alberta Court of Appeal upheld an injunction against the practice granted by the province's Court of Queen's Bench. In a Thursday morning interview, Ken Smith, president of Unifor Local 707A, said he was confident Canada's top court will hear their case. The union expects to hear a decision by the end of March. [continues 674 words]
Employers at a luncheon hosted by the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce were warned it was time to update their policies on medications and impairment, as the federal government plans to legalize recreational marijuana use next summer. During the Thursday afternoon meeting, members of Wood Buffalo's business community were given a presentation on what the future legislation will look like, what rights staff will have and the role employers can play in securing workplace safety. "With the legislation coming, and it will almost certainly pass, these issues will only grow and you will have to deal with it as an employers," said lawyer Michael Jones of Stringam LLP. "Safety is key, as is protecting human rights of the people you work with and who works for you." [continues 376 words]
Police are crediting a quick-thinking officer with a Naloxone kit for saving a man's life in Janvier earlier this week. According to Wood Buffalo RCMP, an officer was making a routine patrol through the hamlet, located approximately 120 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, on July 12 when the officer was flagged down. An individual asked the officer to help a 25-year-old resident who was unconscious. The officer found the unconscious person was barely breathing, turning blue and had a faint pulse, forcing the officer to administer two doses of an anti-opiate drug called Naloxone. [continues 476 words]
With marijuana expected to be legalized across Canada in 2018, Councillor Sheldon Germain wants the municipality to begin researching possible restrictions on its legal use within Wood Buffalo. The motion, which will be introduced at next Tuesday's council meeting by Germain, will direct administration to examine amending bylaws on how and where marijuana can be sold and consumed within Wood Buffalo. If the motion is passed, staff will research and develop "strategic initiatives" establishing parameters for where cannabis dispensaries can be established. [continues 363 words]
