CFIB to offer tools, education for employers around legal pot

As Canada enters a new era of legalized recreational cannabis, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is offering tools and educational materials for employers and employees.

“Governments had the opportunity to create a clear, modern system for cannabis,” said Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, in a press release. “Unfortunately, the process of legalization has created more questions than answers for small business owners, on top of everything else, like the federal tax changes and significant changes to labour laws in many provinces.

Read: More guidance on substance use policies required as pot legalization nears: report

“Small business owners don’t have lawyers or HR specialists on staff, so they need support to prepare for the new reality of legal cannabis. The hundreds of questions we have received on how to address cannabis-related workplace issues provides clear evidence of the uncertainty and need for proper guidance.”

The CFIB’s offerings include a free webinar, a template for a workplace drug and alcohol policy and an online course for employers and employees about impairment in the workplace. All the tools, except for the online course, are available to the public through the CFIB’s website.

Read: Tips for employers to prepare for legalization of recreational marijuana