°µÍøÁÔÆæ adopts new policy on Possession and /or Consumption of Cannabis
The °µÍøÁÔÆæ has adopted a new policy on the Possession and/or Consumption of Cannabis.
In view of the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, the °µÍøÁÔÆæ intends to namely protect the health and safety of its students, employees, elected representatives, volunteers as well as all users of any of the board’s establishments, including its grounds, premises and buildings.
Possession and/or consumption of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited to any person present in any °µÍøÁÔÆæ establishments. Furthermore, possession and/or consumption of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited to any person performing his duties as representative of the °µÍøÁÔÆæ. Finally, possession and/or consumption of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited to any person driving or having the care and/or control of a vehicle owned, rented or otherwise used by the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, its students and employees.
This policy applies to: all °µÍøÁÔÆæ employees; adult students, parents and visitors of any °µÍøÁÔÆæ establishments, including its grounds, premises and buildings; any elected representative, volunteer and person responsible for supervising or monitoring the activities of the °µÍøÁÔÆæ; and any educational and/or business partners of the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, their affiliated organizations, employees, representatives or sub-contractors.
This policy applies at all time, including during any activity organized by the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, its departments, representatives, schools or centres in any °µÍøÁÔÆæ establishments, including its grounds, premises and buildings.
The °µÍøÁÔÆæ may take disciplinary measures and/or other measures against any employee and/or individual who violates the terms and prescriptions of the present policy.
The complete policy can be accessed on the °µÍøÁÔÆæ website.
At the school level the °µÍøÁÔÆæ has a Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant, Sandrine Aschour. She acts as a liaison between public health agencies and the °µÍøÁÔÆæ where drug and alcohol prevention is concerned.
Ms. Aschour said the °µÍøÁÔÆæ will treat marijuana like alcohol. “Yes, you can drink alcohol but you can’t come to work when you’re under the influence of alcohol,” she said. “So it’s going to be the same thing. Yes, you can smoke marijuana, but do not bring that to school. That’s the approach we’re going to take.”
The °µÍøÁÔÆæ has partnerships with community groups like Chabad Lifeline and Portage. Parents and students are not alone if they are dealing with substance abuse issues.
Most recently, °µÍøÁÔÆæ commissioners and senior management took part in a workshop on cannabis facilitated by labour lawyer Michael D. Grodinsky from the firm of Bordner Ladner Gervais.